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 in the office. (I have similar equipment that I take to homes.) There are two microphones in front of the speaker, one for each ear. A tiny plastic tube is connected to each microphone and this tube goes into the ear alongside the hearing aid. This tube enables a measurement of the sounds made by each hearing aid.
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.