Skip to content
Elite Hearing of Colorado Springs has audiologists in Colorado Springs, CO, providing real ear measurements as part of hearing aid fitting best practices.
Real Ear Measurement (REM) is one of the most important steps in making sure your hearing aids are working the way they should. Since everyone’s ears are shaped differently, sound travels inside the ear canal in unique ways. REM allows our audiologists to measure how sound behaves in your ear, then adjust your hearing aids for the most accurate, natural sound possible.
Why Is Real Ear Measurement Important?
REM is considered the gold standard for hearing aid fittings. It helps ensure that:
- Sounds are clear and at the right volume
- Your hearing aids are adjusted to fit your ear’s unique shape
- Speech is easier to understand in real-life situations
- No sounds are too loud or too soft
- You won’t need as many follow-up visits for adjustments
Without REM, hearing aids might not work as well as they should, which can make everyday conversations frustrating and tiring.
How Does Real Ear Measurement Work?
Here’s what to expect during a Real Ear Measurement appointment at Elite Hearing of Colorado Springs:
- Placing the Probe Microphone – A tiny microphone is gently placed in your ear canal along with your hearing aid.
- Playing Test Sounds – Sounds are played through a speaker to measure how they respond inside your ear.
- Adjusting Your Hearing Aids – The audiologist compares your results to ideal targets and makes real-time adjustments.
- Final Check – We retest to confirm everything sounds clear, comfortable, and just right for your ears.
Before testing begins, we carefully calibrate the probe microphone to make sure all measurements are accurate.
Why REM Is a Must for Hearing Aid Success
Real ear measurement isn’t optional—it’s essential. Here’s why:
- No two ears are the same – Standard factory settings don’t account for your personal ear shape.
- It verifies performance – REM confirms your hearing aids are doing their job properly.
- Speech becomes clearer – Conversations sound more natural and easier to follow.
- Comfort is improved – You avoid sounds that are too loud or too soft.
- You save time – Proper REM fittings reduce the need for frequent adjustments.
Studies show that hearing aid users who receive REM fittings are more satisfied with their devices.
Real Ear Measurement vs. Automatic Programming
Many modern hearing aids offer automatic or “first fit” programming, but that’s only a starting point. Many modern hearing aids come with automatic or “first fit” programming. While these settings can be helpful as a starting point, they aren’t tailored to your specific hearing needs.
Automatic programming does not use your individual ear shape, and it doesn’t adjust based on live sound measurements. It applies general settings that may not deliver the best results.
Real Ear Measurement, on the other hand, uses your actual ear shape and measures how sound behaves inside your ear canal. It allows the audiologist to make real-time, personalized adjustments so your hearing aids deliver the right sound levels for you.
In short, REM goes far beyond basic programming, ensuring your hearing aids are perfectly tuned to your unique needs.
Hearing Aid Fitting in Colorado Springs, CO
At Elite Hearing of Colorado Springs, we use Real Ear Measurement to provide our patients with the best hearing experience possible. If you or a loved one is getting hearing aids, make sure REM is part of your fitting process.
Call us today to schedule your hearing aid fitting with real ear measurement in Colorado Springs, CO!
