Real-Ear Measurement (REM) in White Plains, NY

Get hearing aids tuned to your ears, not to averages. Real-ear measurement (REM) verifies that your devices are delivering the right amplification for clear, comfortable speech. It’s the fastest way to turn “I hear sounds” into “I understand words.” 

Built into our hearing aid treatment plan led by our audiologist, Emily M. Esca, Au.D., REM are performed to verify and personalize each individual fitting.

Book Real-Ear Measurement with Dr. Emily M. Esca Today
a young woman taking a hearing test

What is Real-Ear Measurement?

REM is a probe-microphone test that measures the actual sound level reaching your eardrum while you wear your hearing aids. A thin, soft tube sits next to the tip of the hearing aid measuring the amplification of a calibrated speech profile. We then are able to verify that your devices match your appropriate prescription based on your hearing loss, anatomy of your ear and the physical fit of the hearing aids chosen.

Why this matters: software “estimates” and manufacturer first-fits can miss the mark, especially for the high-frequency consonants (/s/, /f/, /t/) that carry speech clarity. REM removes the guesswork and verifies performance where it counts: in your ear.

What will happen at my REM appointment?

Short version: it’s quick, precise, and painless.

1. Ear health check. We confirm your ear canal is clear and safe for testing.

2. Probe placement. A hair-thin tube slides comfortably alongside your hearing-aid tip.

3. Measurement. We play calibrated speech at soft, medium, and loud levels.

 

4. Target match. We adjust until your in-ear output hits evidence-based targets across frequencies.

5. Feature verification. If needed, we check noise reduction, directionality, and frequency-lowering features while you wear the aids.

You hear test speech for a few minutes while we make data-driven adjustments. Most patients find the process easy.

Who benefits from REM?

  • New hearing-aid users who want the right sound from day one.
  • Speech-in-noise strugglers: audibility of the right speech cues is step one before any advanced features can help.
  • Experienced users who hear “louder” but still lack clarity.
  • Anyone changing domes, earmolds, or brands: REM keeps the fit on target despite hardware differences.

How is REM different from “first-fit”?

  • First-fit: Averages and manufacturer formulas.
  • REM: Your ear canal acoustics and physical fit of the hearing aids, verified in real time.

Two patients can share the same audiogram and still need different in-ear output because ear canals differ. REM accounts for that. It’s the difference between “seems okay” and “now I can follow the conversation.”

What does a successful REM-verified fit feel like?

Clearer Consonants

The intelligibility of your non-vowels should increase without the need to crank the overall volume.

Less Listening Fatigue

Your ears, and as a result your brain, won’t get tired as quickly because you aren’t having to fill in the missing sounds.

More Consistent Results

You’ll feel a noticeable difference across real-world places: home, office, restaurants

Fewer Return Visits

There’s less back-and-forth to “get things tuned in” because programming is based on data, not guesswork

When can REM be performed?

You don’t have to wait for any special circumstances. REM can be performed:

  • At the initial fitting to set your baseline
  • At follow-ups if your hearing changes, you change ear tips/earmolds, or we update programs
  • Annually as part of routine care to keep your amplification aligned with your needs

Can REM be done remotely?

REM itself is performed in-clinic. We need a calibrated probe in your ear canal. After we establish a verified baseline, we can use remote hearing care for fine-tuning and convenience adjustments between office visits.

Why choose Listen Hear Diagnostics for REM?

What should I bring or prepare?

In preparation for your visit, here are a few things you could bring in to help Dr. Emily better understand your situation and your hearing needs. 

  • Your current hearing aids and accessories (chargers, domes, earmolds)
  • A list of tough listening situations (e.g., weekly staff meeting, favorite restaurant)
  • A partner or family member if you want another set of ears during counseling
  • Recent hearing test results if you’re new to our clinic (we can also retest)

What if I already have hearing aids from elsewhere?

Bring them. In one session, we can measure the in-ear output, show you where speech audibility is lacking or too strong, and tune accordingly. Many patients notice immediate improvements in clarity once targets are met.

Our step-by-step process

Here is a brief overview of the Real Ear Measurement process so you can be better informed of what to expect during your appointment.

  1. Comprehensive evaluation (or review of your latest audiogram)
  2. Real-ear measurement & target match for soft, average, and louder speech
  3. Feature setup & verification (directionality, noise reduction, music or TV program)
  4. Real-world counseling (expectations, acclimatization, cleaning and care)
  5. Follow-through with scheduled check-ins, remote or in-clinic, to keep you on track

Real Ear Measurement FAQs

Is REM uncomfortable?

No. The probe is soft and very thin. You’ll hear test speech for a few minutes; that’s it.

How long does the REM process take

Most REM sessions add minutes, not hours, to a fitting. The time you “save” later by avoiding guess-and-check adjustments is significant.

Will REM make things too loud?

No. REM balances audibility and comfort. We verify at multiple levels (soft, average, louder) and adjust your devices to keep speech clear without blasting everyday sounds.

Do all hearing aid brands work with REM?

Yes. REM is brand-agnostic. We’re measuring your ear canal output, not relying on a single manufacturer’s estimate.

What if I hate the dome or the sound of my own voice?

Fit and venting affect acoustics. We’ll address physical fit first, then re-verify with REM so comfort and clarity line up.

Are you ready to actually understand more of what you hear?

If you’re serious about clarity, not just loudness, schedule a Real-Ear Measurement fitting with Dr. Emily Esca. We’ll verify your devices to your prescription and dial in the details that make speech easier.

Book Real-Ear Measurement with Dr. Emily M. Esca Today

This young lady is not only excellent as an audiologist .... she is kind and as honest as the day is long. I had broken a small part of my hearing aid and she fixed it on the spot for a minimal charge. I'm sure the previous audiologist in that same office location would have had me order a replacement hearing aid for hundreds of dollars. I give her 5 stars and more if I could.

Michael Yellen

Dr. Emily Esca is a hero and an angel! We called her on her day off the day before my mother's funeral. She found child care and drove to her office to fix my 88 year-old father's hearing aid so he could hear at the funeral. It was the most extraordinary act of human kindness and empathy during a very long week for our family. My father only referred to her as his second angel all week. If you want someone who cares deeply, you've found your doctor of Audiology.

Eric Rothstein

Emily is professional and patient, making the process of choosing hearing aids less intimidating than it could be.

Dorothy D.

Dr. Esca is very very nice and extremely helpful. I went from not wearing my hearing aids to not taking them off. She has been such a great help in my hearing journey. Thank you Dr. Emily Esca xoxo

Christine R.

I came to Dr. Esca based on internet reviews. She was so different than the first audiologist group I visited. Her exam was professional. She took the time to explain the result, and the best hearing aid for me. The first audiologist demanded $6,000 upfront (!), and was unwilling to wait for my insurance payment (which was $3,000). Also, the first audiologist upped the price from the first to the second visit by $1,000, There were no such shenanigans with Dr. Esca. She has a generous policy of revisits to make sure the hearing aid is working well, and answer any problems or concerns I had. She earns a strong 5 star rating.

Daniel P.

I recently lost one of my hearing aids and Dr. Esca was able to get a replacement for me in a very timely manner. I have been going to her for several years because of my poor hearing. She is an excellent audiologist, very caring and professional. It is a pleasure to deal with her.

Barbata P.

Dr. Esca has been amazing. My father has a complicated hearing loss and was struggling to find an appropriate hearing aide. Dr Esca was able to diagnose his issues and recommend an appropriate system. She is thorough, knowledgeable and professional. So glad we found her.

Janet McKenna