If you’ve been researching hearing aids in Tucson, Arizona, you may have come across the term real ear measurements— or REM for short. But what exactly does this mean? And why do top Tucson audiologists consider it such an important part of the hearing aid fitting process?
At Sonora Hearing Care, LLC, a leading Tucson, Arizona audiology practice, we believe that no two ears — or hearing losses — are the same. That’s why our expert Tucson audiologists use real ear measurements to customize and fine-tune your hearing aids for the best possible hearing experience.
Let’s take a closer look at how REM works and why it’s a game-changer for hearing aid fittings here in Tucson.
What Are Real Ear Measurements?
Your ear shape is as unique as your fingerprint — and that’s exactly why REM is so important. Real ear measurements allow audiologists in Tucson, Arizona to measure exactly how sound travels through your individual ear canal to your eardrum.
Without this precise measurement, hearing aids are often programmed using “average” settings from the manufacturer, which may not provide the best clarity or comfort for your specific hearing needs.
How Do Tucson Audiologists Perform Real Ear Measurements?
During your hearing aid fitting at our Tucson audiology clinic, a small, flexible tube is gently placed inside your ear canal. This tube measures the sound levels right next to your eardrum while your hearing aids are in place.
This quick, comfortable test allows our Tucson audiologists to adjust your hearing aids in real-time, ensuring you receive the right amplification where you need it most. Many of our patients in Tucson even say it tickles — but it’s completely painless!
The Benefits of Real Ear Measurements for Tucson Hearing Aid Patients
1. A Truly Personalized Hearing Aid Fit
At Sonora Hearing Care, LLC, our Tucson audiologists know that hearing aids should never be one-size-fits-all. Real ear measurements allow us to fine-tune your devices based on your unique ear shape and hearing needs — not just default factory settings.
This leads to:
- Clearer sound
- More natural listening
- A better overall hearing experience tailored specifically to you
2. Better Speech Understanding — Especially in Tucson’s Noisy Environments
Many of our Tucson patients struggle to hear conversations in restaurants, social gatherings, or outdoor events. Real ear measurements help maximize speech clarity and minimize background noise, so you can feel confident communicating wherever life takes you in Tucson.
Sometimes, we even encourage patients to bring a family member or friend whose voice they struggle to hear — so our Tucson audiologists can fine-tune their devices specifically for that voice!
3. Greater Comfort & Less Listening Fatigue
New hearing aids often require an adjustment period. But with REM performed at our Tucson audiology clinic, we can make immediate adjustments for:
- Comfortable volume levels
- Reduced sharp or harsh sounds
- Less listening effort throughout your day
Instead of struggling with settings that don’t feel quite right, let our experienced Tucson audiologists fine-tune your devices for optimal comfort.
Optimizing Advanced Hearing Aid Features with REM
Today’s hearing aids come loaded with incredible technology — from directional microphones to noise reduction and frequency-lowering features. But to get the most out of these tools, REM is essential.
At Sonora Hearing Care, LLC in Tucson, we use real ear measurements to verify that these advanced features are working exactly as they should — ensuring you’re getting every benefit from your investment.
Real Ear Measurements Means Happier Hearing Aid Users in Tucson
Research shows that REM leads to better results for hearing aid wearers. In fact, a study by Valente et al. (2018) found that 79% of patients preferred hearing aids that were fine-tuned using real ear measurements compared to only 21% who preferred the manufacturer’s first-fit settings.
This is why Tucson audiologists — like Dr. Moore at Sonora Hearing Care, LLC — recommend real ear measurements for every hearing aid fitting.
Ready for a More Precise Hearing Aid Fitting in Tucson, Arizona?
If you’re wondering whether your hearing aids are performing at their best, the expert audiologists at Sonora Hearing Care, LLC in Tucson are here to help.
Schedule an appointment today for a personalized hearing aid fitting using real ear measurements — and experience the difference expert Tucson audiology care can make!