You’re a pretty busy person, so it’s understandable that you totally 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.
Prepare for your hearing exam with these 7 tips
Here are seven essential strategies to ensure you’re totally ready:
Document your symptoms
For every person across various situations, hearing loss manifests differently. Take some time to write down when you observe your hearing difficulties the most. For example, do you struggle to hear the television, especially at certain volumes or times of the day? Are conversations hard to follow in crowded settings like restaurants? 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 be really helpful
The more you understand 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 align with your needs and lifestyle. Being knowledgeable about available options can clarify discussions with your specialist and ensure that any recommendations are personalized to your needs.
Evaluate your medical history
Share the detailed 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. Individualizing 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 understanding of your health.
Safeguard your ears
In the days leading up to your hearing exam, take proactive steps to protect your hearing from loud noises. Exposure to excessive noise can skew the results of your exam, so steer clear of environments with high noise levels, like concerts or construction sites. You will get a better understanding of your hearing health and ensure 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 assessments and related services. Understanding the level of your coverage ahead of time can help you avoid unexpected costs and navigate any insurance-related queries confidently. 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 by yourself but if you bring a friend it can be very helpful. Whether it’s a family member, friend, or caregiver, bringing somebody along can offer extra support and perspective during the consultation. Perhaps you missed some significant piece of information or forgot something you were told and having somebody with you can provide some added support.
Be ready for a conversation about results
Unlike some medical exams where you may have to wait days or weeks for results, hearing test results are usually available right away. Prepare yourself mentally to get these results and participate in a meaningful conversation with us about their implications. We may recommend solutions such as hearing protection strategies, 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!