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CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 · Semin Hear 2024; 45(02): 205-215
DOI: 10.1055/s-0044-1786505
Review Article

Chapter 4: Introduction and Getting Ready for Real-Ear Probe Microphone Measures

Lori Zitelli
1   Communication Science and Disorders, University of Pittsburgh Medical School, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
,
Catherine Palmer
1   Communication Science and Disorders, University of Pittsburgh Medical School, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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Abstract

Probe microphone measurements are an essential step in an individualized hearing aid fitting. These measurements allow audiologists to account for the individual's hearing and ear canal acoustics when programming hearing aids. An evidence-based hearing aid fitting includes matching the measured output of the hearing aids to targets for each input level and frequency. This allows the audiologist to confidently counsel the patient that the acoustic fitting is accurate, and the next step is for the individual to use the amplification during all waking hours to adapt to the newly amplified sounds. This also avoids mistakes such as overamplification or insufficient gain, which can endanger the patient and/or lead to a compromised fitting.

Keywords

real-ear probe microphone measures - coupler microphone leveling - coupler - hearing aid test box - first fit - audibility - calibration


Publication History

Article published online:
13 May 2024

© 2024. The Author(s). This is an open access article published by Thieme under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonDerivative-NonCommercial License, permitting copying and reproduction so long as the original work is given appropriate credit. Contents may not be used for commercial purposes, or adapted, remixed, transformed or built upon. (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/)

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