Why Modesto Patients Should Demand Real Ear Measurements

When most people start researching hearing aids, they naturally focus on the brand, the model, or the newest technology. It makes sense — the marketing from manufacturers centers on all the impressive features: artificial intelligence, Bluetooth streaming, rechargeable batteries, and sleek designs.

But here’s the truth that surprises many patients: how your hearing aids are fit matters more than which hearing aids you buy.

What Real Ear Measurement Actually Is

Real Ear Measurement, often called REM or Real Ear Verification, is a simple but critical step during a hearing aid fitting.

It involves placing a tiny, flexible tube microphone into your ear canal while you wear your hearing aids. Then a calibrated speaker plays speech-like sounds. The system measures exactly how much sound reaches your eardrum and compares it to the prescription target for your specific hearing loss.

If the amplified sound doesn’t match that target, adjustments are made until it does — ensuring the hearing aids are programmed precisely for your needs, not just based on averages or guesses.

Why It Matters So Much

Think of it like this: imagine going to the eye doctor for glasses, and instead of measuring your exact prescription, they just hand you a pair off the shelf and say, “These should be close enough.” You’d never accept that for your vision — and you shouldn’t for your hearing either.

Without Real Ear Measurement, the programming in most hearing aids is based on manufacturer software estimates. Research consistently shows those estimates are not accurate enough. Hearing aids programmed this way often under-amplify speech, especially in softer voices or noisy environments.

In other words, without verification, you might walk out the door with expensive technology that isn’t doing its full job.

The Reality: Most Clinics Don’t Do It

Despite being considered the “gold standard” for hearing aid fittings, studies show that only about 30% of hearing care providers actually perform Real Ear Measurements.

Why? It takes extra time, training, and specialized equipment. Some clinics skip it altogether, relying on how the patient says things “sound.” The problem is, our brains adapt — people often think their new hearing aids sound fine when they’re still not meeting the proper prescription.

It’s like turning up your TV to make up for weak speakers — it may seem better, but it’s not the same as hearing every detail clearly and comfortably.

How We Use Real Ear Measurement in Every Fitting

At Golden State Hearing Aid Center, Real Ear Measurement is not optional — it’s part of every fitting we do.

It’s one of several steps we take to make sure each patient gets the best possible outcome. Once we’ve verified the hearing aids match your prescription, we fine-tune the sound for your comfort, test your hearing in background noise, and make adjustments based on real-world feedback during follow-up visits.

We also use other verification tools and counseling strategies to help you adapt and communicate more effectively — whether you’re dining out, attending church, or just chatting with family at home.

Our goal isn’t to simply sell hearing aids. It’s to make sure you actually hear better.

What You Should Do as a Patient

If you’re getting hearing aids — whether for the first time or as an upgrade — ask your provider one simple question:

“Do you perform Real Ear Measurements on every fitting?”

If the answer is anything other than “yes,” it might be worth reconsidering where you go. You deserve hearing aids that are customized to your exact hearing needs, verified through data — not guesswork.

Hear the Difference for Yourself

If you already have hearing aids but aren’t sure they were verified properly, we can check them for you. Many of our patients are surprised to learn that their hearing aids were never truly adjusted to their prescription — and they notice an immediate difference once they are.

At Golden State Hearing Aid Center in Modesto, we follow every best practice to help you get the most out of your hearing investment — starting with Real Ear Measurement.

Schedule a hearing aid check or consultation today and experience what properly fit hearing aids should really sound like.