fitting hearing aids without Real-Ear

[gandalf at infi.net]

>if you read my last message, this will explain why I was so dismayed at
>one of the interviews I had...

>being a recent graduate (2 years experience), I have never fit hearing
>aids without the aid of a real ear system.  I recently interviewed for
>a job where the ENT would expect me to do just that.  Quite frankly, it
>was enough to make me almost decide not to take the job on the spot.
>Then, I thought about it and wondered if I was being o'er hasty.

>How 'bout it gang?  What's the vote on the real ear?  can't live without
>it?  nice, but not essential?  

>I'm just plain, darn ignorant about how to even go about fitting aids
>without real ear other than to go by what the person says/complains about
>and putting them in the booth and doing soundfield aided and unaided. 

>I asked this ENT if he was going to purchase a real ear system and his
>response was that "my other audiologists have never asked me for one."  

>I'm wondering if I'd be better off delivering pizzas...(THIS IS A JOKE)

>Thanks in advance for any and all comments...

>Susan Lopez


I have never fit an aid using real ear. I have never found it necessary to 
have a machine verify a fit. I (stupidly, I guess) just ask the patient and 
use my knowledge and experience to guide me in helping her complaint.

BTW, my return rate is less than 6%.

Michael