Real Ear Measurements: The Key to a Personalized Hearing Aid Experience

Last Updated on August 9, 2025 by Jonathan Javid Au.D.

Real Ear Measurements (REM) are an essential part of the modern hearing aid fitting process. They provide an objective, personalized way to confirm that your hearing aids are delivering the correct amount of amplification across soft, medium, and loud sounds—tailored specifically to your unique ear anatomy.

Real Ear Measurements are considered the gold standard in hearing aid fittings. They give your audiologist the most accurate insight into whether your devices are working exactly as they should.

Unlike programming hearing aids based only on your hearing test results, REM measures the actual sound reaching your eardrum. This ensures your devices are set for optimal clarity, comfort, and effectiveness, leading to better communication and an improved quality of life.

Why Real Ear Measurements Are So Important

• Personalized Accuracy: Every ear canal is different in shape, size, and resonance. REM accounts for these differences, rather than relying solely on averages.
• Better Speech Understanding: Correct amplification ensures speech is clear, even in noisy environments.
• Objective Verification: It’s the only direct way to confirm your hearing aids are meeting prescription targets.
• Comfort & Safety: Prevents over-amplification, which can cause discomfort or further hearing damage.

Without REM, fitting settings are essentially an educated guess—potentially leaving you with underperforming devices.

How Real Ear Measurements Are Conducted

The REM process is quick, painless, and performed by a licensed audiologist. It typically takes 10–15 minutes and involves the following steps:

1. Machine Calibration

The audiologist begins by calibrating the REM system to ensure accurate readings. This involves setting up the microphones and speakers to deliver precise test sounds based on your individual hearing loss profile.

2. Otoscopy

An otoscopic exam is performed to check your ear canal for obstructions like earwax, foreign objects, or infections. If necessary, the ear will be cleaned to ensure sound can travel unimpeded to the eardrum.

3. Probe Tube Placement

A thin, flexible probe microphone is gently inserted into your ear canal alongside the hearing aid. This device measures the exact sound levels reaching your eardrum when test signals are played.

4. Measurement & Adjustment

While wearing the hearing aid, the audiologist plays calibrated speech or tone samples. The REM system compares the measured sound in your ear to scientifically recommended amplification targets. Adjustments are made on the spot until your hearing aids precisely match your prescription.

What You’ll Experience During the Test

The test is comfortable and non-invasive. You’ll hear various speech and sound samples while your audiologist makes fine-tuned adjustments. Many patients immediately notice clearer speech and more natural sound afterward.

Benefits of Using Real Ear Measurements

1. Maximized hearing performance – Speech and environmental sounds are amplified exactly to your needs.
2. Faster adjustment period – Fewer follow-up visits needed because your aids are set correctly the first time.
3. Objective verification – You and your audiologist can see the results on screen.
4. Better satisfaction rates – Studies show patients fitted with REM are more satisfied with their hearing aids.

Do All Audiologists Use REM?

Surprisingly, no. Not all hearing care providers perform REM, often due to time constraints or lack of equipment. However, expert audiologists committed to best practices will almost always include it. If your provider doesn’t, consider requesting it—it can make a significant difference in your results.

Key Takeaways

• Real Ear Measurements ensure your hearing aids match your hearing prescription perfectly.
• They account for your unique ear shape, providing more accurate sound delivery.
• Using REM often results in clearer speech, better comfort, and higher satisfaction.

FAQ: Real Ear Measurements