If you’ve ever thought about hearing aids and wondered, “How do I know they’re actually set up correctly for my ears?” you’re asking an excellent question.
Hearing aids today are incredibly advanced; they’re essentially tiny computers designed to process sound in real time. But even the best technology can only work as well as it’s programmed for you. That’s why at Sonora Hearing Care, we use a clinical verification process called Real-Ear Measurement (REM) during fittings. Guided by the expertise of a Tucson Audiologist, this process ensures your devices are tailored specifically to your anatomy.
REM allows us to see exactly how sound behaves inside your ear canal while you’re wearing your hearing aids. Because everyone’s ears are shaped differently, sound can travel and amplify differently from person to person. This step helps us to ensure your hearing aids are truly working the way they should for your ears.
What Is Real-Ear Measurement?
Real-Ear Measurement is an in-office test that measures the sound your hearing aids are actually delivering inside your ear canal. Even people with similar hearing test results can experience hearing aids very differently. The size, shape, and acoustics of your ears all influence how sound is amplified.
When you seek Tucson Audiology services, REM lets us confirm that your devices are providing the right amount of sound across different pitches for your specific hearing loss and anatomy. In simple terms, it verifies that what we program is truly reaching your ears as intended.
Why Default Hearing Aid Settings Aren’t Always Right
Most hearing aids come with the manufacturer’s “first-fit” settings. These are a helpful starting point, similar to the default settings on a new smartphone. For some people, these settings feel fairly comfortable right away. For others, they may sound too soft, too sharp, or unclear. Without verification, fittings can sometimes miss the mark in ways that impact your comfort and even speech understanding.
REM allows us to move beyond trial and error. Instead of guessing, we can measure what’s happening inside your ear and make precise adjustments. It’s especially helpful if someone says, “I hear sound, but it doesn’t feel quite right.” We can actually see why and then correct it!
What an REM Appointment Looks Like
If you’ve never had REM done before, it’s quick and painless. Most of our patients are surprised by how simple it is! During the appointment at Sonora Hearing Care, we will:
- Review your hearing results and listening goals
- Place a tiny, comfortable microphone in your ear canal
- Play speech-like sounds to measure output
- Adjust your hearing aids to match ideal levels
- Fine-tune based on your comfort and clarity
Why REM is Considered a Best Practice in Audiology
REM does require specialized equipment, training, and extra appointment time. Some high-volume or retail settings skip it because using the default programming is faster.
In medically focused audiology care, verification is considered a gold standard because it leads to better outcomes and more realistic expectations. Under the leadership of Dr. Cristi Moore, we believe your hearing care deserves the same precision as any other healthcare service. After REM, many of our patients experience:
- Clearer speech without needing more volume
- More natural sound quality
- Less listening fatigue
- Fewer misunderstandings
- Greater confidence in wearing their hearing aids
Ready to Make Sure Your Hearing Aids Are Fit Right?
At Sonora Hearing Care, our goal is to recommend the right technology for your needs and to verify that it’s working properly for your ears. Real-Ear Measurement helps us deliver hearing care that’s precise, personalized, and effective!
If you’re considering hearing aids (or you’re wearing them now and wondering if they’re fully optimized), REM can make a significant difference. Call us at 520-881-8740 or schedule an appointment here: Contact Us Page. We are proud to serve patients in the greater Tucson and the surrounding communities.