You scheduled a hearing exam but you’re so busy it’s understandable that you would have forgotten about it. Luckily, 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 improved with just a little bit of basic prep.
Prepare for your hearing exam with these 7 tips
In order to be completely prepared, follow these 7 steps:
Document your symptoms
For every person across many situations, hearing loss manifests differently. Take some time to write down when you detect your hearing difficulties the most. For instance, do you struggle to hear the television, particularly at certain volumes or times of the day? When you’re in crowded settings like restaurants, is it difficult for you to follow conversations? If you record these instances, it will help us get a better look into your specific hearing situation.
Hearing aids can help a lot
Determining the landscape of hearing aids can empower you to make educated decisions during the course of 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 a simpler time discussing your options and tailoring our recommendations to your particular needs.
Review your medical history
Share the detailed outline of your medical history that you previously collected. Noteworthy illnesses, past surgeries, current medications, and any medical devices you utilize are all details that could be important. Personalizing our treatment suggestions by identifying any factors that might be contributing to your hearing loss will be that much easier when we have a holistic picture of your health.
Utilize ear protection
Make use of protective strategies to shield your hearing from harm, particularly in the days leading up to your exam. Steer clear of things like construction sites and rock concerts where the volume levels are very high because exposure can skew the results of your exam. By safeguarding your hearing prior to the test, you help ensure the accuracy of the results and obtain a clear understanding of your hearing health.
Check your insurance coverage
Explore your health insurance coverage with regard to hearing assessments and related services. Knowing the extent of your coverage ahead of time can help you avoid unforeseen costs and navigate any insurance-related queries confidently. You may need some clarification so don’t be afraid to get in touch with us or your insurance provider.
Bring along a companion
While going to your appointment alone is perfectly fine, having a companion can offer a number of benefits. Bringing somebody with you can provide added support and perspective whether it’s a friend, family member, or caregiver. They can help recall important information discussed during the appointment and give insights into your hearing experiences that you might not have noted yourself.
Be ready for a talk about results
Usually, you will get the results of a hearing test the same day, unlike lots of other medical exams. Be ready for an in-depth conversation when you get the results of your exam on the same day. We may recommend solutions such as hearing protection tips, 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 derive maximum benefit from your appointment.
If you haven’t scheduled your hearing exam yet, give us a call today to get your appointment on the books.