You’re a rather busy person, so it’s reasonable that you completely forgot about the hearing exam you have scheduled. Thankfully, you just received that reminder text from the clinic, and you still have time to prepare. But what kind of preparation should you do?
While it might not call for an all-night study session like in your academic days, a bit of preparation can make a substantial difference in maximizing the benefits of your appointment.
7 steps to get ready for your hearing exam
Here are seven crucial strategies to ensure you’re completely ready:
Record your symptoms
Hearing loss manifests differently for everybody and across a variety of situations. Take some time to write down when you detect your hearing difficulties the most. Are there certain times when you have a difficult time hearing the television, for example? Are conversations hard to follow in crowded places such as restaurants? Write down these instances, along with the time and date, to supply your hearing specialist with useful insights into your hearing challenges.
Hearing aids can be really helpful
Understanding the landscape of hearing aids can empower you to make educated decisions during your appointment. Do some research about how the different types of hearing aids may work with your needs and lifestyle. When you are better informed, we will have a simpler time talking about your options and tailoring our suggestions to your particular needs.
Review your medical history
Gather a detailed outline of your medical history to share with your hearing specialist. Include details such as previous surgeries, current medications, noteworthy illnesses or diseases, and any existing medical devices you use. This holistic snapshot of your health can help in determining potential factors contributing to your hearing loss and guide individualized treatment recommendations.
Utilize hearing protection
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 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 get a clear comprehension of your hearing health.
Look into your insurance
Investigate 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 with confidence. You may need some clarification so don’t be afraid to get in touch with us or your insurance provider.
Have a friend accompany you
While going to your appointment alone is totally fine, having a companion can provide a number of benefits. Bringing somebody with you can offer added support and perspective whether it’s a friend, family member, or caregiver. They can help remember important information discussed during the appointment and give insights into your hearing experiences that you might not have noted yourself.
Be ready for a discussion about results
Normally, you will get the results of a hearing test right away, unlike many other medical exams. Prepare yourself mentally to receive these results and participate in a meaningful discussion with us about their implications. Whether the outcome involves suggestions for hearing aids, lifestyle alterations, or hearing protection strategies, be ready to explore next steps collaboratively with your specialist.
You will get maximum benefit from your appointment and you will come in with confidence if you follow these seven steps.
It’s time to schedule a hearing exam so give us a call!