Real-Ear Measurement (REM) is the gold standard for calibrating hearing devices. Because every ear canal has a unique shape and acoustic resonance, factory software presets are only an educated guess. During REM, we place a hair-thin probe microphone inside your ear canal to measure exactly how sound behaves at your eardrum while you listen to speech. This ensures your devices deliver precise clarity without being uncomfortably loud or tinny.
A retail screening is usually a quick “beep test” designed to check if you can buy a hearing aid. Our diagnostic evaluations assess both ear anatomy and neurological processing. We conduct speech-in-noise testing, speech audiometry, and air and bone conduction assessments in a sound booth to determine whether an issue stems from the outer ear, middle ear, or auditory nerve—so you get a clear clinical picture.
You should seek an evaluation if a child:
Has unclear speech or delayed language development.
Frequently asks “huh?” or “what?”.
Watches TV at elevated volumes.
Has difficulty hearing when there is background noise.
Key risk factors include prematurity, low birth weight, a NICU stay longer than 5 days, family history, and in utero infections like CMV or rubella.
Approximately 1 in every 1,000 children is born with hearing loss. About 50-60% of these cases are attributed to genetics.
Causes range from simple issues like earwax (cerumen) blockage or infections to permanent sensorineural loss, aging (Presbycusis), genetics, head trauma, and noise exposure. Learn more about hearing loss and how to manage it.
A primary sign is feeling like people are frequently mumbling or having difficulty following conversations. Learn more about hearing loss and how to manage it.
Untreated hearing loss is highly correlated with serious health issues, including Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, depression, cognitive decline, and social isolation.
