Your ear canal is as unique as your fingerprint. Two people with identical hearing loss can require completely different hearing aid settings simply because their ear canals have different shapes and sizes. This is why real ear measurements have become the gold standard in professional hearing aid fittings—they account for your individual anatomy to ensure your devices are programmed correctly.
At Fidelity Hearing Center, we incorporate real ear measurements into every hearing aid fitting. Dr. David DeKriek understands that generic programming based on manufacturer defaults often falls short of optimal performance. Real ear measurements take the guesswork out of the fitting process, providing objective data that confirms your hearing aids are delivering the right amount of amplification at each frequency.
What Are Real Ear Measurements?
Real ear measurements, also known as probe microphone measurements, involve placing a thin tube with a microphone into your ear canal alongside your hearing aid. This probe microphone measures the actual sound levels reaching your eardrum while wearing your hearing aids. The measurement process compares these real-world results against scientifically validated targets based on your specific hearing loss.
The procedure is completely painless and typically adds only 15-20 minutes to your fitting appointment. During the measurement, you'll hear various sounds played through speakers in the sound booth while the probe microphone records how your hearing aid responds. Dr. DeKriek then uses this data to fine-tune your devices, making precise adjustments until the amplification matches your prescription targets.
Why Your Ear Canal Matters
Several factors affect how sound travels through your ear canal and reaches your eardrum. The length, width, and shape of your ear canal all influence acoustic properties. A longer ear canal, for example, may require different gain settings than a shorter one, even if the hearing loss is identical. The type of ear tip or custom earmold you use also changes the acoustic characteristics.
Children have significantly smaller ear canals than adults, which means their hearing aids require different programming even when the audiogram shows similar hearing thresholds. Older adults may have ear canals that have changed shape over time. Some people have ear canals with sharp bends or unusual contours that affect sound delivery.
Without real ear measurements, audiologists must rely on average ear canal values programmed into the hearing aid software. These averages work for some patients, but many people fall outside the typical range. Studies show that manufacturer first-fit settings can differ from optimal targets by 10-15 dB or more at certain frequencies. This discrepancy can mean the difference between hearing aids that merely make sounds louder and devices that provide genuine speech clarity.
The Connection Between Measurements and Hearing Aid Fitting Accuracy
Hearing aid fitting accuracy directly impacts your ability to understand speech, particularly in challenging listening environments. When amplification is too weak at certain frequencies, you miss consonant sounds that give words their meaning. When amplification is too strong, sounds become uncomfortably loud or distorted, and you may experience feedback (whistling).
Real ear measurements ensure that the amplification you receive matches your prescription across the full frequency range. This precision becomes particularly important with modern hearing aids that offer wide bandwidth processing. Devices like the Phonak Audéo Infinio, Oticon Intent, and Starkey Omega AI can process sounds from 100 Hz to 10,000 Hz. Making sure you receive appropriate amplification across this entire range requires verification through measurement.
Different hearing aid manufacturers use different fitting algorithms and default settings. Some prioritize comfort, while others emphasize audibility. Real ear measurements allow Dr. DeKriek to verify that your specific devices—whether you choose Signia IX, ReSound Vivia, or Widex Allure—meet your individual needs rather than relying solely on the manufacturer's generic approach.
How Real Ear Measurements Improve Your Experience
Patients who receive hearing aids fitted with real ear measurements report higher satisfaction rates and are more likely to wear their devices consistently. The measurements help identify potential problems before they become frustrations. If feedback issues exist, they show up during the verification process when adjustments can be made immediately.
The objective data from real ear measurements also provides a baseline for future adjustments. If you return for a follow-up appointment reporting that sounds seem too loud or too quiet, Dr. DeKriek can reference your original measurements to understand exactly what changed. This makes troubleshooting more efficient and precise.
For patients new to hearing aids, real ear measurements help ensure a positive first experience. Your brain needs time to adjust to amplified sound, but starting with accurately programmed devices makes this adaptation period smoother. When your hearing aids are delivering the right amplification from day one, you're more likely to appreciate the benefits and less likely to become discouraged.
What Happens During Your Fitting With Real Ear Measurements
When you visit our Cerritos practice for a hearing aid fitting, Dr. DeKriek begins by reviewing your audiogram and discussing your listening goals. He'll explain which hearing aid models best suit your hearing loss, lifestyle, and budget. After selecting your devices, he programs them using the manufacturer's fitting software and your hearing test results.
Next comes the real ear measurement process. A thin silicone probe tube is placed in your ear canal, extending to about 5-6 millimeters from your eardrum. The hearing aid is then inserted or placed over your ear as you would normally wear it. Test signals are played through speakers while the probe microphone measures the sound levels in your ear canal.
The measurement software displays your results on a screen, showing how closely your hearing aids match the prescription targets. Dr. DeKriek makes adjustments to the programming and repeats the measurements until the amplification is correct. This process is done for both ears and may be repeated with different programs or settings.
After the measurements confirm proper fitting accuracy, Dr. DeKriek will have you listen to various sounds and speech samples to ensure comfort and clarity. He'll explain how to use your new hearing aids and answer any questions. Your initial fitting includes all necessary follow-up appointments to make additional refinements as you adapt to amplified sound.
Experience the Difference at Fidelity Hearing Center
Our commitment to best practices in audiology means incorporating real ear measurements into every hearing aid fitting. Dr. David DeKriek's 25+ years of experience, combined with objective verification through measurement, ensures you receive hearing aids that truly meet your needs. We fit a comprehensive range of modern hearing aids, including the latest models from Phonak, Oticon, Starkey, Signia, ReSound, and Widex.
Whether you're considering hearing aids for the first time or looking to upgrade your current devices, we invite you to schedule a comprehensive hearing evaluation at our Cerritos office. Dr. DeKriek will test your hearing, discuss your concerns, and explain how properly fitted hearing aids can improve your quality of life. Call (562) 926-6066 to book your appointment, or visit us at 11911 Artesia Blvd, Suite 104B. With real ear measurements and expert care, you can hear the difference that accuracy makes.
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