You’re a pretty busy individual, so it’s understandable that you totally forgot about the hearing exam you have scheduled. Fortunately, you just got that reminder text from the clinic, and you still have time to prepare. So… what should you do?
The success of your appointment will be improved with just a little bit of basic prep.
Get ready for your hearing test with these 7 tips
Here are seven significant steps to ensure you’re fully prepared:
Document your symptoms
For every person across many situations, hearing loss manifests differently. Take some time to write down when you notice your hearing challenges the most. For instance, do you struggle to hear the television, particularly at certain volumes or times of the day? When you’re in crowded places like restaurants, is it hard for you to follow conversations? If you take note of these situations, it will help us get a deeper look into your specific hearing situation.
Hearing aids can help a lot
The more you understand about hearing aid options, the easier it will be for you to make informed choices at your appointment. Do some research about how the different types of hearing aids might work with your needs and lifestyle. Being knowledgeable about available options can expedite discussions with your specialist and ensure that any suggestions are personalized to your needs.
Review your medical history
Share the detailed overview of your medical history that you previously collected. Include details such as previous surgeries, current medications, notable illnesses or diseases, and any existing medical devices you utilize. This holistic snapshot of your health can help in pinpointing potential factors contributing to your hearing loss and guide personalized treatment suggestions.
Use hearing protection
In the days prior to your hearing exam, take proactive measures to protect your hearing from loud noises. Exposure to too much noise can skew the results of your exam, so avoid environments with high noise levels, such as concerts or construction sites. By safeguarding your hearing prior to the test, you help guarantee the accuracy of the results and get a clear understanding of your hearing health.
Check your insurance coverage
Look into your health insurance coverage with regard to hearing tests and related services. By getting a heads-up on your coverage, you will be better able to answer any associated questions and avoid unexpected costs. If you’re unsure about your coverage, think about contacting your insurance provider or consulting with your hearing specialist for clarification.
Have a friend accompany you
You can come to your appointment alone but if you bring a friend it can be really advantageous. Whether it’s a family member, friend, or caregiver, bringing someone along can offer additional support and perspective during the consultation. They can help recall important information discussed during the appointment and give insights into your hearing experiences that you may not have noted yourself.
Anticipate results discussion
Usually, you will get the results of a hearing exam the same day, unlike lots of other medical exams. Prepare yourself mentally to get these results and engage in a meaningful conversation with us about their implications. Whether the outcome involves suggestions for hearing aids, lifestyle alterations, or hearing protection tips, be ready to investigate next steps collaboratively with your specialist.
You will get maximum benefit from your appointment and you will come in with confidence if you adhere to these seven steps.
If you haven’t scheduled your hearing test yet, give us a call today to get your appointment on the books.
