Houston Office
Real-Ear Measurements
Precision Programming. Personalized Results.
When it comes to hearing aids, a precise fit can make all the difference. Off-the-shelf settings or manufacturer presets do not account for the unique shape and acoustics of your ear canal. That is why real-ear measurements, also called REM, are considered the gold standard in hearing aid programming.
At The Center for Audiology, we use advanced REM technology to ensure that your hearing aids deliver crystal clear sound at comfortable volume levels and with improved speech clarity. This is true even in noisy environments. With personalized fitting, your experience becomes much more natural and effortless.
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What Are Real-Ear Measurements (REM)?
Real-ear measurements are a diagnostic tool that allows audiologists to measure the exact volume of sound that reaches your eardrum while you are wearing hearing aids. Unlike using the manufacturer's default settings, REM considers your ear’s unique anatomy.
To accomplish this, a small microphone is placed inside your ear canal to record how sound behaves in your ear in real time. These measurements are used to adjust your hearing aid with pinpoint accuracy. This ensures that amplification is not just ‘close enough’ but is instead tailored to your individual hearing needs.
Why Real-Ear Measurements Matter
The difference between good hearing and great hearing often comes down to accurate fitting. Real-ear measurements are vital in improving hearing outcomes, especially in real-world situations like restaurants, meetings, or busy streets. In fact, research consistently shows that hearing aids fitted with REM result in higher user satisfaction and greater speech understanding, especially among first-time users and those struggling with noisy environments.
REM helps:
- Ensure natural, balanced sound quality
- Improving speech clarity, particularly in challenging listening environments
- Reduce the mental strain of trying to “fill in the blanks” during conversations
- Maximizes comfort and reduces the need for constant manual adjustments
The Advanced Hearing Aid Fitting Process
At The Center for Audiology, we take a thorough, step-by-step approach to hearing aid fitting, using real-ear measurements to personalize every setting. Here’s what you can expect:
Comprehensive Hearing Evaluation
We start by testing your hearing levels and speech understanding.
Hearing Aid Selection
Based on your results and lifestyle, we help you choose the best hearing aids for your needs.
Custom Programming with REM
Real-ear measurements are used to fine-tune your hearing aids for your exact ear canal and hearing profile.
Fine-Tuning & Adjustments
We listen to your feedback and make additional adjustments to ensure optimal sound quality and comfort.
Verification Testing
We verify the settings with objective testing to confirm accuracy.
Ongoing Follow-Up Care
Hearing needs change over time, so we offer continued support to keep your hearing aids performing at their best.
Advanced Hearing Aid Features That Enhance REM Results
Today’s hearing aids are more powerful and intelligent than ever before. Combined with REM programming, modern technology can adapt to your environment in real time and still deliver amazing results. Common features include directional microphones that focus on the voice in front of you, noise-reduction technology that can filter out background noise, AI-powered sound adjustments for dynamic environments, and tinnitus-masking features that deal with ringing in the ears. These features are optimized during REM-based fittings to provide a customized experience.
Who Can Benefit from Real-Ear Measurements?
Whether you are brand new to hearing aids or have been utilising them for years, REM can still significantly improve your satisfaction. REM is perfect for first-time users who want the most accurate and natural sound, but also for long-term users who need updated programming on their device, and anyone who is experiencing speech clarity issues even with hearing aids.
If you have ever felt like your hearing aids were not quite right, real-ear measurements could be missing.
Personalized Hearing Care in Houston, TX, and Surrounding Areas
At The Center for Audiology, we will not settle for average when it comes to your hearing. We proudly serve Houston and surrounding areas with advanced fitting technology, including real-ear measurements, to ensure the most accurate and comfortable solution.
book a rem test today