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Real Ear Measurement - Yes or No?
The question of using Real Ear Measurement (REM) seems to be hot button across all platforms, and a passionate one with some audiologists.
I've worn hearing aids for 5 1/2 years. My dispensing audiologist is not a believer in REM. In 2021, after 2 years of wearing Phonak Marvel 70s, I presented myself to another audiologist for REM. Then I departed for a two month vacation to Latin America. In short, I thought REM made my HAs perform worse than the initial fitting. I have a QuickSIN score of 12, so back ground noise greatly bothers me. I struggled not only hearing words but entire conversations at the most common places such as airport check in; hotel check in; grocery store check out clerk. When I returned, I sent the HAs to my original audiologist to have the HAs restored to factory settings and reprogrammed them as he has originally done in 2019.
Since I have consulted with 8 different audiologists in my area. Only 2 of 8 recommended REM, the other 6 laughed at it. If REM is "best practice" as Dr. Cliff of YouTube describes, why isn't every audiologist using REM? Why does there seem to be no USA industry standard in fitting HAs? One audiologist told me (I haven't verified) that audiologists in the UK and Australia are mandated by law to use REM when fitting HAs. I was also told that perhaps my REM fitting in 2021 was performed incorrectly. Again, why is there no industry standard when performing REM?
As an end user, it just seems as a whole, it's the wild wild west when it comes to fitting hearing aids.
I'm now wearing Phonak Lumity 90s with Phonak acrylic ear molds without REM. My experience overall while not perfect is much better probably due to the advance noise filtering in the Phonak Lumity.
So my original question, has anyone noticed a substantial difference after transitioning from non REM fitting to REM fitting?
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I researched it three years ago when I was buying my Phonak hearing aids and know the Dr Cliff videos.
My experience was that the first place I went to said they did real ear measurements and then faked it. They did not have the equipment to do them. They were hearing aid specialists who are only required to have a few months training. They were not Audiologists who are required to have Master's or PhD (I think in MN they now are required to have a PhD).
I now go to my ENT's licensed audiologists (with Masters and/or PhD) to check my hearing aid and they do REM. It is designed to give one a more precise evaluation of how the hearing aid is functioning.
Real Ear Measurements (REM) are exactly what they sound like – measurements taken in a patient's ear in real-time. Real ear testing is used to assess hearing aid function in the ear canal. Often, REM is used during a hearing aid fitting to ensure appropriate and individualized hearing aid programming. It takes skill to test with REM.
No matter what kind of testing is used to fit a hearing aid, the skill of the person fitting the hearing instrument is extremely important. REM testing requires special equipment. Not every hearing aid 'fitter' invests in that equipment.
In most states the people licensed to fit hearing aids vary from people with high school diplomas to people with doctorate level degrees in audiology. (AuD) It's a bit crazy. Those without the AuD are generally referred to as Hearing Instrument Specialists (HIS). Some of the HIS have master's degrees.
Also, hearing aids vary. I, personally, am having trouble with a new hearing aid I'm trying. Most likely, I will return it and go back to the brand I was using. Testing it in real life during the trial period is extremely important. I know my audiologist will understand and will also let me try a different model if that makes sense. NOTE: I have worn hearing aids for over 40 years. I am bimodal with a cochlear implant on one side. My experience is extensive, but like everyone else I have to try out a new product and make certain it is right for me before purchasing it.
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1 ReactionI had my coclear surgery a year ago and chose. Coclear America. I was told that I did not have a choice on hearing aid brands but had to use Resounds. I was surprised when you said that you had choices.
Thankyou for asking for clarification. My ‘choice’ is to not have the compatible ReSound hearing aid. The Widex aid gives me better hearing. It is unfortunate that CI processors are brand specific. But that’s the way it is.
I have heard about invisible CI’s. Have you heard anything about them and if so what are your thoughts?
When I say invisible I mean far less noticeable than many CI’s currently on the market. Also can some be made that are waterproof?
Are you aware of any cutting edge technology as far as hearing aids that is on the horizon?
I look forward to hearing from you and anyone else in the group.