You’re a rather busy person, so it’s reasonable that you completely forgot about the hearing exam you have scheduled. Thankfully, you just received that reminder text from the clinic, and you still have time to get ready. But what type of preparation should you do?
The effectiveness of your appointment will be increased with just a little bit of simple prep.
7 steps to prepare for your hearing test
Here are seven significant strategies to ensure you’re completely ready:
Take note of your symptoms
For every individual across various situations, hearing loss manifests differently. Take some time to jot down when you detect your hearing difficulties the most. Are there particular times when you have a difficult time hearing the television, for example? When you’re in crowded settings like restaurants, is it difficult 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
The more you know 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 may work with your needs and lifestyle. When you are better informed, we will have a simpler time talking about your options and tailoring our suggestions to your specific needs.
Assess your medical history
Share the comprehensive overview of your medical history that you previously collected. Include details such as previous surgeries, current medications, noteworthy illnesses or diseases, and any existing medical devices you utilize. Personalizing our treatment suggestions by determining any factors that may be contributing to your hearing loss will be that much easier when we have a holistic picture of your health.
Protect your ears
In the days leading up to your hearing exam, take proactive steps to safeguard your ears from loud noises. Steer clear of things like construction sites and rock concerts where the volume levels are very high because exposure can skew the results of your exam. By safeguarding your hearing prior to the test, you help ensure the accuracy of the results and get a clear comprehension of your hearing health.
Check your insurance coverage
Look into your health insurance coverage regarding hearing assessments and related services. By getting a heads-up on your coverage, you will be better able to answer any associated questions and avoid surprise expenses. You might need some clarification so don’t be afraid to get in touch with us or your insurance provider.
Bring along a companion
You can come to your appointment alone but if you bring a friend it can be really helpful. Bringing somebody 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 offer insights into your hearing experiences that you may not have noted yourself.
Be prepared for a discussion about results
Unlike some medical tests where you may have to wait days or weeks for results, hearing exam results are usually available right away. Prepare yourself mentally to obtain these results and participate in a meaningful conversation with us about their implications. We might encourage solutions such as hearing protection strategies, lifestyle modifications, or the potential of getting hearing aids.
By following these seven essential steps, you can approach your hearing exams with confidence and ensure that you derive maximum benefit from your appointment.
If you haven’t scheduled your hearing exam yet, contact us today to get your appointment on the books.
