You’re a fairly busy person, so it’s understandable that you totally forgot about the hearing test you have scheduled. Thankfully, you just received that reminder text from the clinic, and you still have time to prepare. 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 exam
Here are seven essential strategies to make sure you’re fully ready:
Take note of your symptoms
Hearing loss manifests differently for everybody and across a variety of situations. Whenever you notice that you’re in a situation where you’re having hearing troubles, jot 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 difficult for you to follow conversations? Write down these situations, along with the time and date, to provide your hearing specialist with useful insights into your hearing challenges.
Explore hearing aid options
Determining the landscape of hearing aids can enable you to make informed decisions during the course of your appointment. Do some research about how the different types of hearing aids may work with your needs and lifestyle. Being well-informed about available options can clarify discussions with your specialist and make sure that any suggestions are tailored to your needs.
Evaluate your medical history
Share the comprehensive outline of your medical history that you previously compiled. Include details like past surgeries, current medications, notable illnesses or diseases, and any existing medical devices you use. Personalizing our treatment suggestions 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.
Utilize ear protection
In the days prior to your hearing test, take proactive measures to safeguard your hearing from loud noises. Exposure to excessive noise can skew the results of your test, so avoid environments with high noise levels, like concerts or construction sites. 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.
Look into your insurance
Explore 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 related questions and avoid surprise costs. If you’re uncertain about your coverage, consider contacting your insurance provider or consulting with your hearing specialist for clarification.
Bring a companion
You can come to your appointment alone but if you bring a friend it can be really helpful. Whether it’s a member of the family, friend, or caregiver, bringing somebody along can provide additional support and perspective during the consultation. They can help remember important information discussed during the appointment and offer insights into your hearing experiences that you may not have noted yourself.
Expect results discussion
Unlike some medical tests where you might have to wait days or weeks for results, hearing exam results are usually available immediately. Be ready for an in-depth conversation when you receive the results of your test on the same day. We may recommend solutions like hearing protection tips, lifestyle modifications, or the potential of getting hearing aids.
You will get maximum benefit from your appointment and you will come in with confidence if you adhere to these seven steps.
It’s time to schedule a hearing exam so give us a call!