What is speech mapping and how can it help my hearing?
Speech mapping (also known as real ear or probe microphone measures) is an audiology technique that is used to adjust your hearing aids so they will respond properly to soft, medium, and loud sounds. The photo shows the speech mapping equipment I use. There are two microphones for each ear, one to measure the sound in your ear and the other to measure the sound in the room. A comparison of the output of the two mics gives the audiologist a real-time picture of how your hearing aid is performing.
So, how can this process help you hear better? Instead of reviewing all of the science, I’ll go straight to an example. A gentleman came to me as a new patient a couple of years ago. He had used hearing aids for more than 30 years, but his hearing care providers had never performed this procedure. After our first session he called the results remarkable and said that sounds are much clearer, crisper, and more comfortable.