You’re a fairly busy individual, so it’s reasonable that you completely forgot about the hearing exam you have scheduled. It’s a good thing you got a text from the clinic reminding you in time for you to prepare. So… what should you do?
While it may not require 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.
Prepare for your hearing exam with these 7 tips
In order to be fully ready, follow these 7 steps:
Take note of your symptoms
Hearing loss manifests differently for everybody and across various situations. Whenever you notice that you’re in a situation where you’re having hearing troubles, jot it down. Are there certain times when you have a hard time hearing the television, for example? 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 difficulties.
Discover hearing aid options
The more you know about hearing aid options, the easier it will be for you to make informed decisions at your appointment. Do some research about how the various models of hearing aids might work with your needs and lifestyle. When you are better informed, we will have an easier time talking about your options and adapting our recommendations to your particular needs.
Assess your medical history
Share the detailed outline of your medical history that you previously collected. Include details such as previous surgeries, current medications, noteworthy illnesses or diseases, and any existing medical devices you use. Personalizing our treatment recommendations by identifying any factors that may be contributing to your hearing loss will be that much easier when we have a holistic understanding of your health.
Utilize ear protection
Use protective measures to protect your hearing from damage, particularly in the days prior up to your exam. Exposure to too much noise can skew the results of your exam, so avoid environments with high noise levels, such as concerts or construction sites. You will get a better comprehension of your hearing health and guarantee the accuracy of your hearing test by protecting your ears ahead of time.
Look into your insurance
Investigate your health insurance coverage regarding 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. If you’re uncertain about your coverage, think about reaching out to your insurance provider or consulting with your hearing specialist for clarification.
Bring along a companion
You can come to your appointment by yourself but if you bring a friend it can be very advantageous. Bringing someone with you can offer extra support and perspective whether it’s a friend, family member, or caregiver. Perhaps you missed some significant piece of information or forgot something you were told and having somebody with you can provide some added support.
Expect results discussion
Usually, you will get the results of a hearing exam the same day, unlike many other medical tests. Be prepared for an in-depth discussion when you get the results of your test on the same day. We may recommend solutions such as hearing protection strategies, lifestyle changes, or the potential of getting hearing aids.
By following these seven crucial steps, you can approach your hearing exams with confidence and ensure that you get maximum benefit from your appointment.
If you haven’t scheduled your hearing test yet, give us a call today to get your appointment on the books.