You scheduled a hearing test but you’re so busy it’s reasonable that you would have forgotten about it. It’s a good thing you received a text from the clinic reminding you in time for you to get ready. But what kind of preparation should you do?
The success of your appointment will be improved with just a little bit of basic prep.
Prepare for your hearing exam with these 7 tips
In order to be totally ready, follow these 7 steps:
Write down your symptoms
Hearing loss manifests differently for everybody and across a variety of situations. Whenever you detect that you’re in a situation where you’re having hearing issues, jot it down. For example, do you struggle to hear the television, especially at certain volumes or times of the day? When you’re in crowded settings like restaurants, is it difficult for you to follow conversations? If you record these situations, it will help us get a better look into your specific hearing situation.
Hearing aids can be really helpful
The more you understand about hearing aid options, the easier it will be for you to make informed decisions at your appointment. Research different models of hearing aids, their features, and how they align with your needs and lifestyle. Being well-informed about available options can expedite discussions with your specialist and make sure that any suggestions are tailored to your needs.
Evaluate your medical history
Share the detailed outline of your medical history that you previously collected. Include details like previous surgeries, current medications, noteworthy illnesses or diseases, and any existing medical devices you utilize. This holistic picture of your health can help in pinpointing potential factors contributing to your hearing loss and guide personalized treatment recommendations.
Safeguard your ears
In the days prior to your hearing exam, take proactive measures to shield your ears from loud noises. Exposure to excessive noise can skew the results of your test, so avoid environments with high noise levels, such as concerts or construction sites. By safeguarding your hearing before the test, you help guarantee the accuracy of the results and obtain a clear comprehension of your hearing health.
Look into your insurance
Check to see if your insurance covers hearing services. By getting a heads-up on your coverage, you will be better able to answer any associated questions and avoid surprise costs. You might need some clarification so don’t be afraid to reach out to us or your insurance provider.
Bring along a companion
You can go to your appointment alone but if you bring a friend it can be very helpful. Bringing someone with you can offer added support and perspective whether it’s a friend, family member, or caregiver. They can help recall important information discussed during the appointment and give insights into your hearing experiences that you might not have noticed yourself.
Be ready for a discussion about results
Unlike some medical exams where you may have to wait days or weeks for results, hearing test results are typically available right away. Prepare yourself mentally to get these results and engage in a meaningful discussion with us about their implications. We may encourage solutions like hearing protection strategies, lifestyle modifications, or the potential of getting hearing aids.
You will get maximum benefit from your appointment and you will come in with confidence if you follow these seven steps.
It’s time to schedule a hearing exam so give us a call!