If you are a hearing aid wearer, you have no doubt had to go and have your hearing aids adjusted to get the amplification or sound right for your ears. But adjusting the hearing aids takes time to get right, and real ear measures should be part of the process. Without real ear measures, the hearing aids might work, but they will never be perfect for you.

What Are Real Ear Measures

Real ear measures are the only way for an audiologist to get your hearing aids appropriately adjusted. The system uses a small microphone that is placed in the ear along with the hearing aid. The software for the hearing aid reads both what the hearing aid and the microphone are hearing. This allows the audiologist to adjust the hearing aid to the specific needs of the patient, and when done right, real ear measures produce the best possible application for the patient.

Not all hearing aid fitters use real ear measures, but to get the most out of the hearing aid, they should. If they are not using this technique, ask about it. If your audiologist doesn't know what it is, it might be time for a new audiologist. 

Digital and Analog Hearing Aids

Most of the hearing aids on the market today are digital hearing aids. The technology that goes into hearing aids is changing quickly, and as the tech improves, so too should the ability to correct hearing loss. Whether you wear digital or analog hearing aids, you want them to work at their best. 

While analog hearing aids do still work, they do not have as much ability to adjust the application as their digital counterparts do. Your audiologist may suggest you switch to digital hearing aids if you have not because they can offer you more adjustment in the individual sound ranges. When the digital hearing aids are correctly adjusted, they will be more precise, have better amplification, and filter out background noise better. 

Fit and Comfort

If your hearing aids do not fit properly, they will not be comfortable to wear, and gaps or voids around the mold can hurt the sound quality you are getting from them. Even with real ear measures, the mold has to be right, or you are not going to get the performance you need for your hearing aids. 

If your hearing aids are not comfortable or seem like they just don't fit as well as they should, talk to the audiologist and see if they can check the molds for you. You may need new molds if it has been a while since your original molds where made. Find real ear measurement services near you for more information.