Programmed to exactly what you need
Getting new hearing aids should transform your ability to hear and communicate clearly. Yet many people feel disappointed with their hearing aid performance, struggling with sounds that seem too loud, too soft, or unclear. The difference between success and frustration often comes down to precise programming using Real Ear Measurements. At Miramar Beach Audiology Associates, we include Real Ear Measurements with every hearing aid fitting. This verification process ensures your hearing aids provide exactly the amplification you need for optimal speech understanding and comfort.
What Are Real Ear Measurements (REMs)?
Real Ear Measurements represent the gold standard for hearing aid verification. This objective testing process measures the exact sound levels your hearing aids deliver inside your ear canal, rather than relying on manufacturer programming assumptions or your subjective impressions alone.
During the procedure, we place a thin probe microphone near your eardrum while you wear your hearing aids. This microphone measures the actual sound levels reaching your ear, allowing us to verify that amplification matches your specific hearing loss prescription across all frequencies.
The process is completely painless and takes only 15-20 minutes, but the impact on your hearing aid success can be dramatic. Real Ear Measurements eliminate guesswork and ensure your devices are programmed for maximum benefit.
Benefits of Real Ear Verification
• Precise Amplification - Ensures your hearing aids provide exactly the right amount of amplification for each frequency where you have hearing loss, eliminating sounds that are too loud or too soft
• Improved Speech Understanding - Optimizes amplification specifically for speech frequencies, making conversations clearer and easier to follow in various listening environments
• Reduced Listening Effort - Properly programmed hearing aids require less mental energy to process sounds, reducing fatigue and making listening more comfortable throughout the day
• Objective Verification - Provides measurable data that confirms your hearing aids meet evidence-based amplification targets rather than relying solely on subjective feedback
Why Many Practices Skip This Step
Despite the proven benefits of Real Ear Measurements, less than 35% of hearing aid providers use this verification method. Some practices rely on manufacturer software assumptions about average ear canal acoustics, while others depend primarily on patient feedback during initial fittings.
These approaches often fall short because every person's ear canal is unique in size and shape, affecting how sound travels to the eardrum. Without Real Ear Measurements, hearing aids may be significantly under-amplified or over-amplified, leading to poor outcomes and patient dissatisfaction.
At our practice, we believe you deserve hearing aids that are precisely calibrated for your individual needs using the most accurate verification methods available.
Experience the Difference Proper Fitting Makes
Dr. Mandy Rounseville-Norgaard is committed to evidence-based best practices that deliver superior patient outcomes. With over 15 years of audiology experience and personal understanding of hearing aid challenges, she ensures every hearing aid fitting meets the highest professional standards.
Ready to experience what properly fitted hearing aids can do for your communication and quality of life? Contact Miramar Beach Audiology Associates today to learn more about Real Ear Measurements and schedule your comprehensive hearing aid consultation.
