You scheduled a hearing exam but you’re so busy it’s reasonable that you would have forgotten about it. It’s a good thing you received a text from the clinic reminding you in time for you to prepare. But what type of preparation should you do?
The success of your appointment will be improved with just a little bit of basic prep.
Prepare for your hearing exam with these 7 tips
Here are seven significant steps to ensure you’re fully prepared:
Take note of your symptoms
Hearing loss manifests differently for everyone and across a variety of situations. Whenever you detect that you’re in a situation where you’re having hearing troubles, jot it down. Are there specific times when you have a difficult time hearing the television, for example? When you’re in crowded locations like restaurants, is it difficult for you to follow conversations? If you record these instances, it will help us have a better look into your specific hearing situation.
Hearing aids can help a lot
Understanding the landscape of hearing aids can empower you to make educated decisions during the course of your appointment. Research different types of hearing aids, their features, and how they will 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.
Review your medical history
Share the detailed overview of your medical history that you previously collected. Noteworthy illnesses, previous surgeries, current medications, and any medical devices you utilize are all details that might be important. This holistic snapshot of your health can help in identifying potential factors contributing to your hearing loss and guide individualized treatment suggestions.
Safeguard your ears
In the days leading up to your hearing exam, take proactive steps to shield your hearing from loud noises. Exposure to too much noise can skew the results of your exam, so steer clear of environments with high noise levels, such as concerts or construction sites. By safeguarding your hearing prior to the test, you help guarantee the accuracy of the results and get a clear understanding of your hearing health.
Check your insurance coverage
Explore 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 associated questions and avoid unexpected expenses. You might need some clarification so don’t be afraid to get in touch with us or your insurance provider.
Have a friend go with you
You can come to your appointment by yourself but if you bring a friend it can be really advantageous. Whether it’s a family member, friend, or caregiver, bringing someone along can offer extra support and perspective during the consultation. Maybe you missed some essential piece of information or forgot something you were told and having somebody with you can give some added support.
Be prepared for a talk about results
Unlike some medical tests where you may have to wait days or weeks for results, hearing test results are usually available right away. Be prepared for an in-depth conversation when you receive the results of your exam on the same day. We may encourage solutions like hearing protection strategies, 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 adhere to these seven steps.
It’s time to schedule a hearing exam so give us a call!