A Long Island Patient's Guide to Real Ear Measurements

‍Real Ear Measurement ensures your hearing aids work exactly right for your unique ears. Most Long Island residents getting hearing aids have never heard of this fitting technique, yet it makes the difference between hearing aids that just amplify sound and ones that actually help you hear clearly.

What Real Ear Measurement Actually Does

Real Ear Measurement is like getting a suit tailored instead of buying one off the rack. Our audiologist places a tiny microphone in your ear canal while you're wearing your hearing aids to measure exactly how sound reaches your eardrum.

No two ear canals are the same – not even your own left and right ears. That's why the same hearing aid settings that work great for your neighbor in Babylon might not work for you at all.

Sarah from Commack noticed the difference right away when she switched to hearing aids fitted with Real Ear Measurement. "It was like going from drugstore reading glasses to prescription lenses made just for me. Everything got clearer and more comfortable."

Why Generic Settings Don't Cut It

Ear canal size varies dramatically between people – sometimes by as much as 300%. This means identical hearing aid settings produce completely different results for different people. Generic "first fit" programming treats everyone's ears as if they're average, which is why so many people struggle with their hearing aids.

Your ear canal shape, size, and even the time of year affect how sound travels to your eardrum. Real Ear Measurement captures these individual differences by measuring actual sound levels where it matters – at your eardrum – instead of guessing based on averages.

The Testing Process is Simple

The whole process takes about 30-45 minutes and feels completely comfortable. After checking that your ears are healthy and clear, our audiologist places a thin tube (thinner than spaghetti) in your ear canal next to your hearing aid.

You'll listen to different sounds through speakers – speech samples, various tones, and the kinds of sounds you hear every day around Long Island. You can watch the measurements on a computer screen in real-time, which helps you understand exactly what's happening with your hearing aids.

Tom from Huntington found it eye-opening. "I could see when my hearing aids were working right and when they needed adjusting. It finally made sense why some sounds were clearer than others."

Why Most Places Don't Do It

Despite all the research showing its importance, only 25-40% of hearing aid fittings include Real Ear Measurement. Some practices skip it to save time. Others don't have the right equipment or training. Many still use outdated methods that assume everyone's ears work the same way.

When Real Ear Measurement gets skipped, patients often end up with:

• Hearing aids that are too loud or too soft
• Poor speech clarity, especially in noisy places
• Their own voice sounding strange or uncomfortable
• Multiple trips back for adjustments that could have been avoided

The Immediate Differences You'll Notice

With properly verified hearing aids, speech sounds clearer and more natural right away. Your own voice won't sound weird or booming because the measurements ensure everything is balanced correctly.

Quiet sounds become audible without loud sounds being uncomfortable. This balance means you can enjoy quiet conversations with grandchildren and still be comfortable at concerts at Jones Beach Theater.

Linda from Smithtown saw the change immediately. "Conversations with my husband became easy instead of exhausting. I stopped saying 'what?' twenty times a day."

Long-Term Benefits That Matter

People who get Real Ear Measurement with their hearing aids tend to wear them more consistently and are happier with them overall. When hearing aids work right from the start, you actually want to wear them.

You'll also need fewer adjustment appointments. While some fine-tuning is normal as you get used to your hearing aids, proper verification means fewer trips back to the office for major changes.

The measurements also create a baseline for the future. As your hearing changes over time, our audiologist has precise data to guide adjustments instead of starting from scratch.

Is It Worth It?

Real Ear Measurement takes extra time and requires specialized equipment, but the payoff is huge. Properly fitted hearing aids work better from day one, which means less frustration and better results from your investment.

Most insurance plans that cover hearing aids don't charge extra for Real Ear Measurement when a qualified audiologist performs it. You're already investing in better hearing – this ensures you get what you're paying for.

Questions You Should Ask

When shopping for hearing aids, always ask if Real Ear Measurement will be part of your fitting. If someone can't explain how they'll verify your hearing aids are working correctly for your specific ears, that's a red flag.

Ask to see the measurement results during your fitting. Good audiologists welcome these questions and want you to understand what's happening. If your current hearing aids aren't working well, ask if Real Ear Measurement was done – sometimes this verification alone can fix the problem.

Getting the Most From Your Hearing Aids

The difference between hearing aids fitted with Real Ear Measurement and those programmed with generic settings can be dramatic. It's the difference between struggling through conversations and actually enjoying them again.

For Long Island residents dealing with hearing loss, proper verification means staying connected at family dinners in Westchester, catching announcements at MacArthur Airport, and enjoying shows at local theaters without constantly adjusting your hearing aids.

Schedule Your Properly Fitted Hearing Aids

At Port Jefferson Hearing, we include Real Ear Measurement in every hearing aid fitting – it's not an optional extra. We believe you deserve hearing aids that work perfectly for your unique ears from day one. Our evidence-based approach means you get the full benefit of today's hearing technology, customized precisely for your hearing needs. Call us at 631-331-1888 to schedule your evaluation and discover how properly fitted hearing aids can change your daily life across Long Island.