You scheduled a hearing exam but you’re so busy it’s understandable that you would have forgotten about it. Fortunately, you just got that reminder text from the clinic, and you still have time to prepare. But what kind of preparation should you do?
The success of your appointment will be improved with just a little bit of simple prep.
Prepare for your hearing test with these 7 tips
In order to be fully prepared, follow these 7 steps:
Write down your symptoms
For every person across many situations, hearing loss manifests differently. Take some time to write down when you notice your hearing difficulties the most. Are there specific times when you have a difficult time hearing the television, for instance? When you’re in crowded settings like restaurants, is it hard for you to follow conversations? Write down these situations, along with the time and date, to provide your hearing specialist with valuable insights into your hearing difficulties.
Hearing aids can help a lot
Determining the landscape of hearing aids can empower you to make educated decisions during the course of your appointment. Do some research about how the various types of hearing aids might work with your needs and lifestyle. Being well-informed about available options can expedite discussions with your specialist and ensure that any suggestions are personalized to your needs.
Evaluate your medical history
Collect a comprehensive overview of your medical history to share with your hearing specialist. Include details such as previous surgeries, current medications, noteworthy illnesses or diseases, and any existing medical devices you use. Individualizing our treatment recommendations by determining any factors that might be contributing to your hearing loss will be that much easier when we have a holistic understanding of your health.
Safeguard your ears
In the days leading up to your hearing exam, take proactive measures to safeguard your ears from loud noises. Steer clear of things like construction sites and rock concerts where the noise levels are especially high because exposure can skew the results of your exam. You will get a better comprehension of your hearing health and guarantee the accuracy of your hearing exam by protecting your ears ahead of time.
Check your insurance coverage
Find out 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 get in touch with us or your insurance provider.
Bring along a companion
While attending your appointment by yourself is perfectly fine, having a companion can provide a number of advantages. Bringing somebody with you can provide extra support and perspective whether it’s a friend, family member, or caregiver. They can help remember important information discussed during the appointment and offer insights into your hearing experiences that you might not have noticed yourself.
Be prepared for a talk about results
Unlike some medical exams where you might have to wait days or weeks for results, hearing test results are typically available right away. Be ready for an in-depth discussion when you receive the results of your test on the same day. We might recommend solutions like hearing protection strategies, lifestyle changes, or the potential of getting hearing aids.
By following these seven crucial steps, you can approach your hearing test with confidence and guarantee that you derive maximum benefit from your appointment.
If you haven’t scheduled your hearing exam yet, give us a call today to get your appointment on the books.