Lesson 1Clinical resources and evidence summaries from professional bodies (recommendations for REM use)It sums up guidelines from AAA, ASHA, BSA, and others on verification. It stresses proof for REM, suggested steps, record-keeping, and weaving best practices into daily clinic work.
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 rationaleIt explains compression aims and settings, like attack and release times, channels, and kneepoints. It talks about wide dynamic range compression, speech clarity, and how adjustments impact comfort, sound quality, and checks.
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 testingIt centres on functional checks using aided soundfield tests. It goes over QuickSIN, HINT, warble-tone thresholds, and reading results with REM to advise 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 HLIt details REM steps for aided responses and speech mapping. It includes test signals, input levels, conditions, and switching SPL to dB HL for spot-on, matching 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 rulesIt lays out top ways to record verification, with REAR and REIG graphs, target gaps, and clinical thinking. It stresses clear reports for legal needs, follow-ups, and team talks.
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 interpretationIt introduces REM ideas, gear, and setup. It covers probe tube placing, reference mic use, and reading usual target curves like REAR, REIG, and speech mapping 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 managementIt looks into DSL v5 background, kids' focus, and loudness balancing. It covers suitability, target making, and managing severe to profound losses, stressing comfort, hearing range, and checks in regular practice.
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 safetyIt explains MPO ideas, measuring, and clinic tweaks. It reviews limiting via compression and peak clipping, balancing hearing range, sound quality, and safety to avoid loudness issues and ear damage over time.
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 implicationsIt describes main hearing aid types like BTE, RIC, ITE, CIC, RITE. It checks looks, sound, handling effects, and suitability based on hand skills, ear shape, and hearing loss level.
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 limitationsIt reviews how maker software makes simulated real-ear targets and coupler presets. It discusses assumptions, age and vent effects, and why separate REM is needed for 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 featuresIt sorts hearing aids by signal handling and shape. It explains analogue vs digital, RIC vs RITE terms, and main adjustable features affecting fitting ease, 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 intelligibilityIt covers NAL-NL1 and NL2 growth, aims, and target making. It stresses speech understanding boost, loudness matching, and picking NAL types for adults and special 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
