What does "real-ear measurement" evaluate?

Real-ear measurement is a technical process that involves the evaluation of how well a hearing aid performs in the actual ear of the wearer. This measurement utilizes a small microphone placed in the ear canal to assess the amplification provided by the hearing aid in real-time during use.

This is important because it allows audiologists and hearing aid dispensers to determine whether the fitting of the hearing aid is appropriate for the individual’s hearing needs. It considers the unique shape and acoustics of the patient's ear and how the device interacts with it, which can differ significantly from laboratory measurements taken in a controlled environment.

While assessing hearing thresholds and the effectiveness of hearing aids in different environments are components of hearing aid evaluation and fitting, they do not specifically measure the performance of the hearing aid within its actual use context in the ear. Similarly, the client’s overall hearing health is a broader assessment that deals with various aspects of auditory function beyond the direct performance of a hearing aid. Thus, the focus of real-ear measurement is specifically on the fitting and performance of hearing aids as experienced by the individual user.