You’re a fairly busy person, so it’s reasonable that you completely forgot about the hearing test you have scheduled for tomorrow. Fortunately, you just received that reminder text from us, and you still have a few hours to get ready. So… what should you do?
You won’t need to stay up all night cramming for a hearing test like you did in school the night before a big exam. With a hearing exam, it’s more about attempting to remember everything you need to know about your symptoms. Getting the most out of your time with us is what getting ready for your hearing exam is really about.
Get prepared with these 7 tips!
1. Create a list of your symptoms (and when they occur)
The symptoms of hearing loss differ from person to person and at different times. Some symptoms may be more pronounced than others. So, before you come in, it’s a good idea to begin taking a few notes on when your hearing loss is most noticeable. Some things you can write down include:
- Was it hard to hear the tv? Do you have it cranked way up? And do you have a harder time hearing at night?
- During meetings at work, do you lose focus? What time during the day is this most prominent?
- Is having phone conversations difficult? Note times when hearing the person on the other end is more difficult.
- Did you have issues making out a conversation while dining out in a busy restaurant? If so, how frequently does that take place?
This kind of information is really useful for us. Take note of the day and time of these symptoms if possible. At least note the occurrence of the symptoms if you can’t remember the times.
2. Do some research on hearing aids
How accurate is your knowledge about hearing aids? You don’t want to make any decisions based on false information you may have picked up someplace. If we inform you a hearing aid would be helpful, that’s would be an ideal opportunity to ask educated questions.
You will get better information and the process will be expedited when you know what types of hearing devices are available and determine what your preferences are.
3. Consider your medical past
This one will also help the process go faster after your appointment. Before you come in, you should take some time to jot down your medical history. This should include both major and minor incidents. You should write down things like:
- Medical devices you might presently use.
- Illness or diseases you’ve had that stick out in your mind.
- Surgeries you’ve had, both major or minor.
- Allergies and reactions to medications.
- What kind of medication you take.
4. Loud noisy environments should be shunned
If you have a hearing assessment scheduled and you go to a loud concert the night before, the outcome will be impacted. The results will be similarly impacted if you go to an airshow the day of your exam. You can see where we’re going with this: you want to protect your ears from loud noises before your hearing exam. This will ensure the results are a correct reflection of the current state of your hearing.
5. Consult your insurance ahead of time
It can be somewhat challenging sorting out what portions of your appointment will be covered by insurance. If your hearing impairment is related to a medical condition, some insurance plans will cover it. But other plans may not. It’s a good plan to get all of this squared away before your appointment, so you’re more confident about what you can expect. We can also help you in certain instances. If not, you can talk to your insurance company directly.
6. Bring a family member or friend in with you
Bringing a trusted friend or loved one with you to a hearing appointment isn’t strictly necessary, but it can offer several benefits. Among the most prominent benefits are the following:
- You don’t always detect when your hearing isn’t working right but it’s a good bet your spouse or partner does! This means that we will have access to even more information to help make an accurate diagnosis or exam.
- You’re likely to cover a lot of info during your exam. Having a trusted friend or family member with you can help you remember all of that information later.
7. Be ready for your results
It might be days or even weeks before you get the results of many medical diagnostics. But with a hearing test, that’s not the situation. With a hearing exam, you will get the results immediately.
And better yet, we’ll help you understand what your results mean and how you can improve your overall hearing health. That could mean utilizing some ear protection or some behavioral changes or possibly hearing aids. You’ll know rather quickly either way.
So there’s no need to overthink it. But being prepared will be helpful, especially for you.