Lesson 1Clinical resources and evidence summaries from professional bodies (recommendations for REM use)This lesson summarises guidelines from AAA, ASHA, BSA, and other organisations on verification practices. It stresses evidence supporting real-ear measurement (REM), recommended steps, record-keeping, and incorporating best practices into everyday clinic routines.
Key AAA and ASHA REM recommendationsBSA and international REM guidanceEvidence comparing REM to first-fitBarriers to guideline implementationCommunicating best practice to patientsLesson 2Compression basics: attack/release times, number of channels, kneepoints, wide dynamic range compression rationaleThis lesson explains compression aims and settings, covering attack and release times, channel numbers, and kneepoints. It discusses wide dynamic range compression, speech clarity benefits, and how adjustments impact comfort, sound quality, and verification.
Goals of compression in hearing aidsAttack and release time trade-offsNumber of channels and fine-tuningKneepoints and compression ratiosWDRC and speech audibility benefitsLesson 3Functional verification: aided speech-in-noise testing (QuickSIN, HINT), aided warble-tone thresholds, aided soundfield testingThis lesson focuses on functional checks using aided soundfield tests. It reviews QuickSIN, HINT, warble-tone thresholds, and interpreting results with REM data to inform patient counselling and adjustments.
Aided soundfield warble-tone thresholdsQuickSIN setup and score interpretationUsing HINT and similar speech testsRelating functional tests to REM dataCounseling patients using test resultsLesson 4REM protocols: aided response, speech mapping, measurement conditions (soft, conversational, loud inputs) and corrections for SPL vs dB HLThis lesson details REM steps for aided responses and speech mapping. It includes test signals, input levels, conditions, and conversions between SPL and dB HL for precise, reliable verification outcomes.
Selecting test signals and stimuliSoft, conversational, and loud inputsAided response vs insertion gain viewsCorrections between SPL and dB HLManaging test–retest variabilityLesson 5Documentation and reporting for verification: recording REAR/REIG, target deviations and clinical decision rulesThis lesson outlines documentation best practices for verification, featuring REAR and REIG graphs, target differences, and clinical logic. It highlights clear records for legal purposes, follow-ups, and team communication.
Recording REAR and REIG measurementsDefining acceptable target deviationsNoting MPO and loudness outcomesWriting clear clinical justificationsReporting for referrals and insurersLesson 6Real-ear verification (REM) fundamentals: probe placement, calibration, typical target curves and interpretationThis lesson introduces REM basics, tools, and setup. It covers probe positioning, reference mic use, and reading target curves like REAR, REIG, and speech maps in clinic software.
REM equipment and signal typesCorrect probe tube placement techniquesCalibration and reference mic controlUnderstanding REAR, REIG, and RECDReading and interpreting target curvesLesson 7Fitting formulas: DSL v5 — principles, pediatric origin, use for severe losses and loudness managementThis lesson explores DSL v5 background, child-focused design, and loudness balancing. It addresses suitability, target calculations, severe loss handling, with focus on comfort, hearing access, and daily verification.
Historical development and pediatric rationaleLoudness normalization vs equalization conceptsDSL v5 targets for severe and profound lossesManaging loudness discomfort and safetyVerification of DSL fittings with REMLesson 8Maximum power output (MPO) and output limiting strategies for loudness and safetyThis lesson covers MPO principles, testing, and adjustments. It reviews compression limiting and peak clipping, balancing clear sound, quality, and safety to avoid discomfort and hearing harm.
Defining MPO and its clinical relevanceMeasuring MPO in coupler and real earCompression limiting vs peak clippingSetting MPO for comfort and safetySpecial MPO issues in pediatric fittingsLesson 9Overview of hearing aid styles and form factors (BTE, RIC, ITE, CIC, RITE) and clinical implicationsThis lesson describes main hearing aid types like BTE, RIC, ITE, CIC, RITE. It examines appearance, sound delivery, handling factors, and suitability based on hand skills, ear shape, and loss severity.
BTE and thin-tube fittingsRIC and RITE design considerationsITE, ITC, and CIC custom devicesOpen vs occluded fittings and ventingStyle selection based on patient needsLesson 10Common manufacturer fitting software features that affect verification (real-ear simulated targets, coupler-based presets) and limitationsThis lesson reviews manufacturer software for simulated real-ear targets and coupler presets. It discusses assumptions, age and vent impacts, and need for independent REM to validate personal fittings.
First-fit algorithms and default presetsReal-ear simulated targets in softwareCoupler-based fittings and assumptionsImpact of venting and acoustic couplingWhy REM is needed beyond softwareLesson 11Technical classifications: analogue vs digital, receiver-in-canal vs receiver-in-ear, programmable featuresThis lesson sorts hearing aids by processing and design. It explains analogue vs digital, RIC vs RITE terms, and adjustable features affecting fitting options, checks, and patient results.
Analog vs digital processing basicsBTE, RIC, RITE, ITE, CIC distinctionsTelecoil, wireless, and streaming optionsDirectional microphones and noise reductionData logging and adaptive featuresLesson 12Fitting formulas: NAL-NL1/NL2 — principles, targets, strengths for speech intelligibilityThis lesson covers NAL-NL1 and NL2 development, aims, and targets. It stresses speech understanding gains, loudness matching, and choosing between variants for adults and unique groups.
Historical development of NAL formulasSpeech intelligibility and loudness goalsDifferences between NAL-NL1 and NAL-NL2Selecting NAL vs DSL for adultsVerifying NAL fittings with REM
