You’re a pretty busy individual, so it’s understandable that you totally forgot about the hearing exam you have scheduled. It’s a good thing you got a text from the clinic reminding you in time for you to get ready. But what kind of preparation should you do?
The effectiveness 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, use these 7 steps:
Document your symptoms
Hearing loss manifests differently for everyone and across various situations. Whenever you notice that you’re in a situation where you’re having hearing issues, write it down. For instance, do you struggle to hear the television, especially at certain volumes or times of the day? When you’re in crowded places 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 challenges.
Hearing aids can help a lot
The more you know about hearing aid options, the easier it will be for you to make informed decisions at your appointment. Research different types of hearing aids, their features, and how they will work with your needs and lifestyle. When you are better informed, we will have a simpler time talking about your options and adapting our suggestions to your specific needs.
Assess your medical history
Share the detailed outline of your medical history that you previously collected. Include details like previous surgeries, current medications, notable illnesses or diseases, and any existing medical devices you utilize. Individualizing our treatment recommendations by identifying any factors that may be contributing to your hearing loss will be that much easier when we have a holistic understanding of your health.
Utilize ear protection
Use protective measures to shield your hearing from harm, particularly in the days leading up to your appointment. Steer clear of things like construction sites and rock concerts where the noise levels are very high because exposure can skew the results of your test. By safeguarding your hearing prior to the test, you help guarantee the accuracy of the results and obtain a clear comprehension of your hearing health.
Check your insurance coverage
Investigate 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 expenses. 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 advantageous. Bringing someone with you can offer added support and perspective whether it’s a friend, family member, or caregiver. Maybe you missed some essential piece of information or forgot something you were told and having someone with you can provide some additional support.
Be ready for a talk about results
Normally, you will get the results of a hearing exam right away, unlike lots of other medical tests. Be prepared for an in-depth discussion when you get the results of your test on the same day. Whether the outcome involves recommendations for hearing aids, lifestyle adjustments, or hearing protection strategies, be ready to explore next steps collaboratively with your specialist.
By sticking with these seven essential steps, you can approach your hearing exams with confidence and ensure that you get maximum benefit from your appointment.
It’s time to schedule a hearing test so give us a call!