Maico Audiological Services provides real ear measurements as part of hearing aid fitting best practices in Newport News, VA, Chesapeake, VA, and Smithfield, VA.
When it comes to hearing aids, getting the right fit is about more than just comfort. It’s also about sound quality. Real Ear Measurement (REM) is one of the most important steps in making sure your hearing aids give you the clearest, most natural sound possible.
Everyone’s ears are different. Some ear canals are wide, others are narrow, and some have twists and turns. Because of these differences, sound travels through each person’s ears in its own unique way. That’s why using REM is so important. It helps us see exactly how sound behaves inside your ears, not just in a test setting.
At Maico Audiological Services, our audiologist and hearing instrument specialist use REM to fine-tune your hearing aids so they match your exact needs. This means speech is easier to follow, everyday sounds feel more natural, and noisy places are less overwhelming.
Why Is Real Ear Measurement Important?
REM is often called the “gold standard” in hearing aid fittings. That’s because it makes the fitting process much more accurate than simply using factory settings or a “best guess.”
Without REM, hearing aids might sound too loud, too soft, or unbalanced. This can cause frustration, listening fatigue, and the feeling that your hearing aids just don’t work as well as they should. With REM, your hearing aids are adjusted for your exact ears, giving you the clearest and most comfortable results possible.
How Does Real Ear Measurement Work?
The REM process is simple, safe, and painless:
- A tiny probe microphone is placed gently in your ear canal while you wear your hearing aid. It sits close to your eardrum but doesn’t touch it, so it’s completely comfortable.
- Test sounds are played through a small speaker. The microphone measures how those sounds behave inside your ear canal.
- We compare the results to your ideal hearing levels, based on your hearing test.
- Adjustments are made on the spot to your hearing aids, so they deliver just the right amount of amplification for your ears.
Most patients can hear the difference right away. Once everything sounds balanced, we double-check the results to make sure your hearing aids are working at their very best.
Why REM Is Better Than Automatic Programming
Today’s hearing aids come with something called “first fit,” which is a preset program built into the device. While convenient, these automatic settings don’t take into account the unique shape of your ears.
Think of it like buying shoes in your size without trying them on. They might fit okay, but they probably won’t feel perfect.
REM, on the other hand, is like having custom-fit shoes made just for you. Instead of relying on averages, it measures sound directly in your ears and adjusts your hearing aids based on real results. That’s what makes the difference between “good enough” and truly great hearing.
Hearing Aid Fittings at Maico Audiological Services
At Maico Audiological Services, we believe every hearing aid fitting should include Real Ear Measurement. Whether you’re getting hearing aids for the first time or upgrading to a new pair, REM ensures you get the most out of your devices.
Our audiologist and hearing instrument specialist are trained to make precise adjustments so your hearing aids deliver clear, comfortable sound in every situation. We’re here to make sure you feel confident in your hearing and stay connected to the people and moments that matter most.
Schedule a Hearing Aid Fitting in Virginia
Don’t settle for hearing aids that just “sort of work.” With Real Ear Measurement, you can enjoy sound that feels natural, speech that’s easier to follow, and hearing that fits your life, not just your ears.
Call Maico Audiological Services today to schedule your hearing aid fitting with Real Ear Measurement in Newport News, VA, Chesapeake, VA, and Smithfield, VA.