You’re a fairly busy individual, so it’s reasonable that you completely 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 prepare. But what kind of preparation should you do?
The success of your appointment will be increased with just a little bit of simple prep.
Get ready for your hearing exam with these 7 tips
In order to be totally prepared, follow these 7 steps:
Take note of your symptoms
For every person across various situations, hearing loss manifests differently. Take some time to jot down when you notice your hearing challenges the most. 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 hard for you to follow conversations? Write down these instances, along with the time and date, to provide your hearing specialist with helpful insights into your hearing challenges.
Hearing aids can help a lot
The more you understand about hearing aid options, the easier it will be for you to make informed decisions at your appointment. Do some research about how the various types of hearing aids may 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 outline of your medical history to share with your hearing specialist. Include details such as past surgeries, current medications, notable illnesses or diseases, and any existing medical devices you utilize. Personalizing 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.
Use hearing protection
Make use of protective strategies to protect your hearing from damage, particularly in the days leading up to your appointment. Exposure to excessive noise can skew the results of your test, so steer clear of environments with high noise levels, like concerts or construction sites. By safeguarding your hearing leading up to the test, you help ensure the accuracy of the results and obtain a clear comprehension of your hearing health.
Look into your insurance
Look into your health insurance coverage with regard to hearing assessments and related services. By getting a heads-up on your coverage, you will be better able to answer any related questions and avoid surprise expenses. You may need some clarification so don’t be afraid to reach out to us or your insurance provider.
Bring a companion
You can come to your appointment by yourself but if you bring a friend it can be very helpful. Whether it’s a family member, friend, or caregiver, bringing someone along can offer additional support and perspective during the consultation. Perhaps you missed some essential piece of information or forgot something you were told and having somebody with you can offer some additional support.
Anticipate results discussion
Usually, you will get the results of a hearing test the same day, unlike lots of other medical tests. Be prepared for an in-depth discussion when you receive the results of your exam on the same day. We may encourage solutions like hearing protection tips, lifestyle changes, 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.
If you haven’t scheduled your hearing exam yet, give us a call today to get your appointment on the books.