You scheduled a hearing exam but you’re so busy it’s reasonable that you would have forgotten about it. Thankfully, you just received that reminder text from the clinic, and you still have time to prepare. So… what should you do?
The effectiveness 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 essential strategies to ensure you’re totally prepared:
Write down your symptoms
Hearing loss manifests differently for everyone and across various situations. Take some time to write down when you notice your hearing difficulties the most. For example, do you struggle to hear the television, particularly at certain volumes or times of the day? When you’re in crowded locations like restaurants, is it difficult for you to follow conversations? If you take note of these situations, it will help us have a better look into your specific hearing situation.
Hearing aids can be really helpful
Determining the landscape of hearing aids can enable you to make educated choices during the course of your appointment. Research different types of hearing aids, their features, and how they align with your needs and lifestyle. When you are better informed, we will have an easier time discussing your options and tailoring our suggestions to your specific needs.
Review your medical history
Share the comprehensive overview of your medical history that you previously compiled. Noteworthy illnesses, previous surgeries, current medications, and any medical devices you use are all details that might be significant. This holistic snapshot of your health can aid in pinpointing potential factors contributing to your hearing loss and guide individualized treatment suggestions.
Utilize ear protection
In the days leading up to your hearing test, take proactive steps to safeguard your hearing from loud noises. Exposure to excessive noise can skew the results of your exam, so avoid environments with high noise levels, like concerts or construction sites. You will get a better understanding of your hearing health and guarantee the accuracy of your hearing test by protecting your ears ahead of time.
Check your insurance coverage
Check to see if your insurance covers hearing services. By getting a heads-up on your coverage, you will be better able to answer any related questions and avoid surprise expenses. If you’re unsure about your coverage, consider reaching out to your insurance provider or consulting with your hearing specialist for clarification.
Bring a companion
While attending your appointment by yourself is perfectly fine, having a companion can offer several benefits. Bringing someone with you can provide extra support and perspective whether it’s a friend, family member, or caregiver. Perhaps you missed some important piece of information or forgot something you were told and having someone with you can give some additional support.
Be ready for a talk about results
Unlike some medical exams where you may have to wait days or weeks for results, hearing test results are usually available immediately. Be ready for an in-depth discussion when you receive the results of your test on the same day. We might recommend solutions like hearing protection strategies, lifestyle modifications, or the potential of getting hearing aids.
By sticking with these seven crucial steps, you can approach your hearing test with confidence and guarantee that you get maximum benefit from your appointment.
It’s time to schedule a hearing test so give us a call!