Lesson 1Clinical resources and evidence summaries from professional bodies (recommendations for REM use)This lesson sums up guidelines from AAA, ASHA, BSA, and other groups on verification practices. It stresses the proof for using real-ear measurements (REM), suggested steps, record-keeping, and weaving best practices into your daily clinic routine here in Namibia.
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 what compression aims to do and its key settings, like attack and release times, channels, and kneepoints. We look at wide dynamic range compression, how it helps with clear speech, and the effects on comfort, avoiding distortion, and checking fittings properly.
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 practical checks using aided soundfield tests. It reviews QuickSIN, HINT, warble-tone thresholds, and reading results together with REM to help with advice and adjustments for better outcomes.
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 goes into detail on REM steps for aided responses and speech mapping. It covers test signals, input levels, conditions, and switching between SPL and dB HL to get reliable, comparable results in your clinic.
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 top ways to record verification, including REAR and REIG graphs, target differences, and clinical thinking. It stresses clear reports for legal needs, follow-ups, and working well with other health pros.
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, gear, and setup. It covers placing probe tubes, using reference mics, and making sense of usual target curves like REAR, REIG, and speech mapping on 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, its child-focused start, and loudness balancing. It covers who it's for, how targets are set, handling severe to profound losses, with focus on 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 safetyThis lesson details MPO ideas, how to measure it, and clinic tweaks. It reviews limiting through compression or peak clipping, balancing clear 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 implicationsThis lesson describes main hearing aid types like BTE, RIC, ITE, CIC, and RITE. It looks at looks, sound handling, ease of use, and who suits them 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 limitationsThis lesson reviews how brand software makes simulated real-ear targets and coupler presets. It discusses assumptions, age and vent effects, and why you still need proper REM to check 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 shape. It explains analogue vs digital, RIC vs RITE terms, and main adjustable features that affect 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 growth, aims, and target setting. It stresses clear speech focus, loudness matching, and picking between NAL types for adults and special groups in clinic work.
Historical development of NAL formulasSpeech intelligibility and loudness goalsDifferences between NAL-NL1 and NAL-NL2Selecting NAL vs DSL for adultsVerifying NAL fittings with REM
