Real-Ear Measurement
Why Real-Ear Measurement Matters for Your Hearing Aids
Every ear canal is unique in shape and volume, which means manufacturer default settings rarely deliver the right output on their own. Real-ear measurement (REM) at Allen Audiology uses a thin probe microphone placed inside your ear canal to measure the actual sound your hearing aids produce at the eardrum. Your audiologist compares that output to your prescription targets and adjusts until the fit is verified — not estimated.
The Difference Between Verified and Unverified Fittings
Studies show that hearing aids programmed with manufacturer first-fit software alone can miss prescription targets by a significant margin. Without real-ear verification, patients may receive too much amplification in some frequencies and too little in others — leading to discomfort, reduced clarity, or devices that end up in a drawer. Allen Audiology performs real-ear measurement on every fitting because objective verification is the most reliable path to better hearing outcomes.
Patient Reviews
Hear from Lehigh Valley patients who trust Allen Audiology for their hearing care — real experiences from real people in Allentown and Bethlehem.
Hear What You've Been Missing — Schedule Your Visit
Trusted by Lehigh Valley families since 1984 — personalized hearing care at two convenient locations.
Serving the Lehigh Valley
Our Locations
Allen Audiology has two convenient locations in the Lehigh Valley — our main office in Allentown and a satellite office in Bethlehem.
- (610) 439-1196
- [email protected]
- Fax: 610-434-2200
- 40+ years serving the Lehigh Valley
- Parking available at both locations
- Wheelchair accessible
“The doctor could have easily sold me a product that I don't need, but she was honest and up front, advising that the benefits would not override the drawbacks. Very impressed with the honesty and professionalism!”— James Davis
Allentown
Main Office101 N. Cedar Crest Blvd
Allentown, PA 18104
| Monday | 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Thursday | 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM |
| Friday | 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |
Bethlehem
Satellite Office2045 Westgate Drive, Ste 300
Bethlehem, PA 18017
| Tuesday | 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Thursday | 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM |
| Every Other Friday | 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM |
| All Other Days | Closed |
Frequently Asked Questions
Real-ear measurement (REM) is a verification process where a thin probe microphone is placed in your ear canal alongside your hearing aid. The microphone records the actual sound output at your eardrum while test signals play through the device. Your audiologist then compares those readings to your prescription targets on a real-time display.
If the output is too high or too low at certain frequencies, adjustments are made on the spot until the hearing aid matches what your audiogram calls for. The entire process takes about 10 to 15 minutes per ear and is completely painless.
Yes. Research consistently shows that fittings verified with real-ear measurement produce better speech understanding and higher patient satisfaction compared to fittings based on manufacturer defaults alone. When your hearing aids are matched to your prescription, soft speech is audible, conversational speech is comfortable, and loud sounds stay within a safe range.
Patients who receive verified fittings also tend to wear their hearing aids more consistently because the sound quality feels natural from day one rather than requiring weeks of trial-and-error adjustment.