You scheduled a hearing exam but you’re so busy it’s understandable that you would have forgotten about it. Luckily, you just got that reminder text from the clinic, and you still have time to prepare. So… what should you do?
While it might not require an all-night study session like in your scholastic days, a bit of preparation can make a substantial difference in maximizing the value of your appointment.
Get ready for your hearing exam with these 7 tips
Here are seven crucial strategies to make sure you’re completely prepared:
Document your symptoms
Hearing loss manifests differently for everybody and across a variety of situations. Whenever you detect that you’re in a situation where you’re having hearing issues, jot it down. For instance, do you struggle to hear the television, particularly at certain volumes or times of the day? Are conversations hard to follow in crowded places like restaurants? If you record these instances, it will help us get a better look into your specific hearing situation.
Discover hearing aid options
Understanding the landscape of hearing aids can enable you to make educated choices during your appointment. Research different models of hearing aids, their features, and how they align with your preferences and lifestyle. When you are better informed, we will have a simpler time talking about your options and tailoring our suggestions to your specific needs.
Assess your medical history
Share the detailed overview 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 utilize. Individualizing our treatment suggestions by determining any factors that might be contributing to your hearing loss will be that much easier when we have a holistic picture of your health.
Safeguard your ears
In the days leading up to your hearing exam, take proactive steps to safeguard 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, like concerts or construction sites. You will get a better understanding of your hearing health and ensure the accuracy of your hearing test by safeguarding your ears ahead of time.
Check your insurance coverage
Check to see if your insurance covers hearing 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 unsure about your coverage, consider contacting your insurance provider or consulting with your hearing specialist for clarification.
Have a friend go with you
You can come to your appointment alone but if you bring a friend it can be very advantageous. Whether it’s a family member, friend, or caregiver, bringing somebody along can offer additional support and perspective during the consultation. Maybe you missed some important piece of information or forgot something you were told and having someone with you can give some additional support.
Be ready for a conversation about results
Normally, you will get the results of a hearing exam the same day, unlike many other medical exams. Prepare yourself mentally to receive these results and participate in a meaningful conversation with us about their ramifications. We might encourage solutions including hearing protection strategies, lifestyle modifications, or the potential of getting hearing aids.
By sticking with these seven essential steps, you can approach your hearing exams with confidence and guarantee that you get 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.
