What is real-ear measurement?
Real-ear measurement, also sometimes referred as probe microphone measurements, is the gold standard used to determine whether a hearing aid user is receiving the precise level of amplification needed at every frequency to achieve the best hearing improvement possible.
100% improvement is not always possible as it is dependent on your hearing loss level, but the goal is to maximize the benefit to get as close to 100% as possible.
During real-ear measurements, a thin probe microphone is inserted into the ear canal alongside the hearing aid. We at Strauss Audiology obtain readings of the exact sound levels that you are receiving from the hearing aid while listening to various recorded speech samples.
We can then determine exactly how to adjust the sound levels to match target amplification levels based on the hearing aid user’s hearing loss across the speech frequencies.
Real-ear measurements helps to identify the right hearing aid fit for you
There are a variety of different hearing aids available, including behind the ear (BTE), in the ear (ITE) and in the canal (ITC). Each hearing aid has its own fitting and features, and the one that suits you will determine your real-ear measurement. Every ear canal has a different shape, size and even a different type of bend to them which will result that one type of hearing aid is more comfortable than another.
Real-ear measurements can assist to identify the right programming for you
Real-ear measurements measure the shape and size of your ear as well as the acoustics. These measurements will help us at Strauss Audiology to provide you with the right hearing aid and tune it correctly to match your requirements.
Real-ear measurements can limit amplification of the wrong sounds
Hearing aids work with complex technology and can be adjusted to suit everyone. Real-ear measurements are important, as they can show us at Strauss Audiology that you can hear the right sounds through your hearing aid and will also help us to limit the amplification of the wrong sounds.
Getting real-ear measurements is important before getting your hearing aid fitted, as well as an important step to maintain them. If you want comfortable and optimal hearing when you get your hearing aids fitted, then a real-ear measurement is vital so that we can assess your hearing, better understand your needs and choose the most appropriate hearing device, with the correct programming for you.
It is also important to note that it is perfectly normal for your ear shape and size to change over the years, as well as the acoustics that you experience in one or both ears. Luckily these changes can be detected with real-ear measurements, and as a result, your hearing aid can be adjusted accordingly, so you can experience optimum hearing.
About Strauss Audiology
Strauss Audiology is a professional audiology business in the northern suburbs of Cape Town, offering expert, effective hearing advice that is tailored to clients’ unique hearing needs. We conduct hearing evaluations, hearing tests and vertigo assessments, and provide a range of solutions to improve and protect clients’ hearing. This includes providing hearing aids to Cape Town clients. With 16 years of experience, and with the qualifications and certifications to deliver leading hearing care, you can trust us to take care of your hearing needs.
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