Why Cincinnati's Top Audiologists Use Real Ear Measurements

When receiving new hearing aids, many people assume that programming based on their hearing test results alone will provide optimal performance. While audiograms provide valuable information about hearing loss, they represent only the starting point for effective hearing aid fitting. At Hearing Consultants, we understand that every ear canal is unique, and what works in theory doesn't always translate to real-world performance without proper verification.

Real Ear Measurements (REM) represent the gold standard in hearing aid verification, allowing us to measure exactly how much amplification your hearing aids provide inside your specific ear canal. This precision fitting approach has become a cornerstone of our practice, setting us apart from providers who rely solely on manufacturer default settings or basic adjustments.

Understanding the Science Behind Real Ear Measurements

Real Ear Measurements involve placing a thin, flexible probe tube microphone in your ear canal alongside your hearing aid. This microphone measures the actual sound levels reaching your eardrum when sound is played through speakers in our testing booth. The process allows us to compare the amplification your hearing aids provide against research-based targets for your specific hearing loss.

Your ear canal's unique size, shape, and resonance characteristics significantly impact how sound travels to your eardrum. Two people with identical hearing loss patterns may require different hearing aid settings to achieve the same audible result at their eardrums. Without REM verification, these individual differences often go unaddressed, leading to suboptimal hearing aid performance.

The measurement process captures several critical data points: how much amplification occurs across different frequencies, whether the hearing aids meet prescribed targets for soft and loud sounds, and how effectively the devices manage speech intelligibility. This objective data removes guesswork from the fitting process, ensuring your hearing aids perform as intended rather than simply as programmed.

The Limitations of Generic Programming

Many hearing aid dispensers rely primarily on manufacturer software that calculates initial settings based on your audiogram. While these first-fit algorithms provide a reasonable starting point, they cannot account for your individual ear acoustics or personal listening preferences. Generic programming assumes average ear canal dimensions and standard acoustic properties that may not match your anatomy.

Studies have shown that first-fit programming alone achieves target amplification in only about 30% of cases across all frequencies. This means that without verification, most hearing aids are either under-amplifying or over-amplifying sounds at various frequencies, compromising speech understanding and listening comfort.

When hearing aids aren't properly verified, common problems include difficulty understanding speech in noise, sounds appearing too loud or too soft, poor sound quality, and reduced satisfaction with the devices. These issues often lead people to conclude that hearing aids simply don't work well for them, when the real problem lies in inadequate fitting procedures.

How Real Ear Measurements Improve Your Hearing Experience

The REM process allows us to fine-tune your hearing aids with unprecedented precision. We can verify that soft sounds are audible without being uncomfortable, moderate sounds are clear and natural, and loud sounds remain tolerable while preserving important safety cues from your environment.

For speech understanding specifically, REM helps optimize the Speech Intelligibility Index (SII), which predicts how well you'll understand conversation based on the audibility of different speech frequencies. By ensuring adequate amplification across the speech spectrum while maintaining comfort for louder sounds, we can maximize your potential for clear communication.

The verification process also accounts for different listening environments. We measure how your hearing aids perform for quiet conversations, moderate background noise, and louder social situations. This comprehensive approach ensures your devices work effectively across the variety of listening challenges you encounter daily.

Real Ear Measurements prove particularly valuable when fitting advanced hearing aid features. Modern devices like the Oticon Intent with its 4D Sensor technology, Signia IX with RealTime Conversation Enhancement, or Phonak Audéo Infinio with its dual-chip processing require precise calibration to deliver their advertised benefits. Without proper verification, these sophisticated features may not function optimally for your specific hearing loss and ear anatomy.

The Clinical Evidence Supporting Real Ear Measurements

Research consistently demonstrates that hearing aids fitted with Real Ear Measurements provide superior outcomes compared to those programmed using generic methods alone. Studies show improved speech recognition scores, higher user satisfaction ratings, and reduced need for follow-up adjustments when REM verification is employed.

Professional audiology organizations, including the American Academy of Audiology and the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, consider Real Ear Measurements an indispensable component of comprehensive hearing aid fitting protocols. These evidence-based best practices reflect decades of research showing the superiority of verified fittings over unverified ones.

The clinical benefits extend beyond immediate performance improvements. Properly fitted hearing aids using REM verification show better long-term user acceptance and consistent daily use. When people experience optimal performance from their devices, they're more likely to wear them regularly and gain the full cognitive and social benefits of improved hearing.

Evidence-Based Audiology Cincinnati: Setting the Standard

In Cincinnati's competitive hearing healthcare market, many providers focus primarily on selling hearing aids rather than ensuring optimal performance through proper fitting procedures. At Hearing Consultants, our evidence-based audiology approach sets us apart from competitors who may skip verification steps or rely solely on basic programming adjustments.

While some hearing aid dispensers in the Cincinnati area may offer quick fittings or focus on device sales, we believe that comprehensive care requires thorough verification of every hearing aid fitting. Our investment in Real Ear Measurement equipment and ongoing training reflects our commitment to providing the highest standard of audiological care available in the region.

The difference becomes apparent in patient outcomes. When hearing aids are properly verified using Real Ear Measurements Cincinnati residents receive devices that perform optimally from day one, reducing the need for multiple follow-up adjustments and improving overall satisfaction with their hearing solution.

Why We're Recommended by Dr. Cliff Aud and the HearingUp Network

Our commitment to Real Ear Measurements and evidence-based fitting practices has earned recognition from Dr. Cliff and inclusion in the HearingUp Network. This network represents audiology practices that demonstrate adherence to best practice protocols, including comprehensive REM verification for all hearing aid fittings.

Dr. Clifford Olson, a respected audiologist and advocate for evidence-based hearing healthcare, specifically recommends practices that consistently use Real Ear Measurements as part of their standard fitting protocol. This Dr. Cliff approved best practice approach distinguishes our clinic from providers who may not prioritize verification procedures or who treat REM as an optional service rather than a standard component of professional care.

The HearingUp recommendation reflects our dedication to providing hearing healthcare that meets the highest professional standards. We believe that people investing in hearing aids deserve the most effective fitting procedures available, not shortcuts that compromise performance and satisfaction.

This recognition also reflects our ongoing commitment to continuing education and staying current with evolving best practices in audiology. The field continues advancing, and we ensure our fitting procedures incorporate the latest research and techniques for optimal patient outcomes.

Real Ear Measurements Cincinnati: What Makes Us Different

Many hearing aid providers in the Cincinnati area rely on basic programming software and subjective feedback from patients to adjust hearing aids. While patient input remains valuable, this approach lacks the precision and objectivity that Real Ear Measurements provide. Without verification, providers essentially guess whether hearing aids are performing appropriately.

Our practice stands apart by making Real Ear Measurements a standard component of every hearing aid fitting, not an optional add-on service. This commitment to best practice protocols means Cincinnati residents can be confident that their hearing aids are precisely calibrated for their individual hearing loss and ear anatomy.

The investment in proper verification equipment and training demonstrates our long-term commitment to providing superior outcomes rather than simply dispensing hearing aids. When you choose evidence-based audiology Cincinnati providers like Hearing Consultants, you receive care that prioritizes your hearing success over sales volume.

The Real Ear Measurement Process at Our Practice

When you receive hearing aids at our clinic, Real Ear Measurements are integrated seamlessly into your fitting appointment. After initial programming based on your hearing test results, we place the probe tube microphone comfortably in your ear canal and begin systematic verification across different sound levels and frequencies.

The process typically takes 20-30 minutes per ear and involves playing various sounds while monitoring the amplification reaching your eardrum. We adjust your hearing aid settings in real-time, ensuring optimal performance before you leave our office. You'll see the measurements on our computer screen, providing transparency about your device's performance.

We also use REM verification during follow-up appointments if you report concerns about sound quality or speech understanding. This objective measurement helps us identify specific frequency ranges that may need adjustment, leading to more efficient problem-solving and improved satisfaction.

Schedule Your Comprehensive Hearing Aid Consultation

At Hearing Consultants, we believe that investing in hearing aids deserves the highest standard of professional care. Our commitment to Real Ear Measurements reflects our dedication to providing you with the most effective hearing solution possible. Whether you're considering your first hearing aids or seeking improved performance from current devices, our evidence-based fitting approach ensures optimal results tailored to your unique hearing needs and lifestyle.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation with our experienced audiologists Dr. Timothy Teague or Dr. Amanda Hoffman. We'll discuss how Real Ear Measurements can help you achieve the clear, comfortable hearing you deserve.