REM Test

REM – REAL EAR MEASUREMENT TEST

When it comes to delivering the best possible performance from new or adjusted hearing aids, the Real Ear Measurement (REM) test is an essential tool. REM testing is critical whether the hearing aids are newly purchased, recently adjusted, returned from repair, or fitted with a new earmold or dome. This evidence-based technique is pivotal in verifying that hearing aids provide the correct amplification levels directly in the user’s ear canal.

The Importance of Real Ear Measurement in Hearing Aid Fitting

The REM test plays a crucial role in ensuring that:

• Soft sounds are audible: This is essential for the basic awareness of one’s surrounding environment, enabling hearing aid users to pick up quieter, more subtle sounds that might otherwise go unnoticed.
• Speech sounds are accessible: Speech understanding is fundamental for effective communication. REM ensures that hearing aids are adjusted so that speech is clear and distinct, overcoming challenges posed by hearing loss.
• Loud sounds are not overamplified: Protecting the user’s ears from uncomfortably loud noises is just as important as enhancing softer sounds. REM helps to ensure that loud sounds remain within a comfortable hearing range without causing discomfort or further damage to hearing.

Enhancing Speech Understanding in Various Environments

Without accurate Real Ear Measurements, users of hearing aids may experience either under amplification or overamplification, which can lead to poor speech understanding, especially in environments with significant background noise. REM directly measures the sound levels in the ear canal to tailor the device’s settings to the individual’s specific auditory needs.

By precisely adjusting the gain and output of hearing aids based on REM data, audiologists can significantly improve a wearer’s ability to understand speech in a variety of settings, from quiet rooms to noisy streets. This personalized approach ensures that each client receives optimal hearing support tailored to their unique hearing profile.

Commitment to Evidence-Based Hearing Solutions

Incorporating Real Ear Measurement into the standard protocol for fitting and adjusting hearing aids underscores a commitment to providing high-quality, personalized care. By relying on REM, healthcare providers can deliver precise and effective hearing solutions that enhance the quality of life for individuals with hearing impairments.

Conducting REM tests is more than a best practice—it’s a crucial component of ensuring that every hearing aid wearer enjoys the highest possible benefit from their devices. This method not only optimizes hearing aid performance but also affirms our dedication to evidence-based hearing care and the pursuit of excellence in the field.