Comparing two real-ear measurement methods Version 4
Research type
Research Study
Full title
An experimental study to compare the hearing aid amplification provided by two real-ear measurement techniques to prescriptive targets.
IRAS ID
233111
Contact name
Wahid Zaman
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Aston University
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
N/A, N/A
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 1 months, 31 days
Research summary
From the current literature and guidelines by the British Society of Audiology (BSA), Real-ear Measurements (REM) and Visible Speech Mapping (VSM) are recommended as hearing aid verification methods for fitting hearing aids to manage hearing loss. Hearing aid verification is a process that measures the hearing aid output for an individual person’s hearing loss profile, taking into account the size and shape of the individual's ears to ensure that they receive adequate sound output according to their hearing loss prescription. However, there is no evidence in the literature that compares the sound output that is measured by REM and VSM methods. Both the REM and VSM verification methods are recommended by the BSA and are available in National Health Service Audiology clinics. The general observation is that practice differs departmentally, with clinics and clinicians opting to use one method over the other. The Audiology department at the Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, for example, enforces the REM method over VSM. In theory, there should be no significant difference in the hearing aid outputs produced to the prescription targets of either recommended hearing aid verification protocols per individual. However, there are no studies that compare the sound output nor benefits of either verification method over the other in practice. Therefore definitive evidence that proves or disproves significant differences or benefits of one method over the other can influence a gold standard in departmental protocols and practice. This study aims to influence practice change for hearing aid fittings.
REC name
West Midlands - South Birmingham Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
18/WM/0083
Date of REC Opinion
3 Apr 2018
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion