You’re a pretty busy person, so it’s understandable that you totally forgot about the hearing test you have scheduled for tomorrow. Thankfully, you just got that reminder text from us, and you still have a few hours to get ready. So… what should you do?
You won’t have to stay awake all night preparing for a hearing test like you did in school the night before a big exam. Getting ready for a hearing exam is more about thinking over your symptoms and making certain you don’t forget anything. Essentially, preparing for your hearing exam is really about making certain you get as much out of your time with us as you can.
Get prepared with these 7 tips!
1. Put together a list of your symptoms (and when they occur)
Hearing loss doesn’t present the same way for everyone all the time. Some symptoms may be more prominent than others. So, before you come in, it’s a good idea to start taking a few notes on when your hearing loss is most significant. Some things you can list out include:
- Did you have trouble following a conversation while eating out in a busy restaurant? If so, how frequently does that take place?
- Did you have a difficult time hearing the TV? How high is the volume? And do you notice that it’s harder to hear later in the evening than in the morning?
- Do you find yourself losing concentration in meetings at work? What time during the day is this most prominent?
- Is having phone conversations difficult? Monitor times when it’s more difficult to understand people than usual.
This type of information is really useful for us. Note the day and time of these symptoms if you can. If you can’t, just note that they did occur.
2. Research hearing aids
How accurate is your knowledge about hearing aids? It’s a relevant question because you don’t want to make any decisions based on what you presume. If we tell you a hearing aid would be helpful, that’s going to be the perfect moment to ask informed questions.
You will get better information and the process will be expedited when you know what types of hearing devices are available and understand what your preferences are.
3. Go over your medical history
This one will also help the process go smoother after your appointment. Write down your medical history before you come in for your appointment. This should include both major and minor incidents. Here are some examples:
- Medications you’re currently taking.
- Allergies and reactions to medicines.
- Sickness or diseases you’ve experienced that stand out in your mind.
- Any medical apparatuses you use.
- Operations you’ve undergone, both major or minor.
4. Avoid loud sounds and noisy environments
If you have a hearing test 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. The point here is that you need to avoid loud noises before you come in for your hearing exam. This will ensure the results are a correct reflection of the current state of your hearing.
5. Before you come in, check with your insurance company
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 problem, some insurance plans will cover it. But other plans might not. You will be a great deal more confident at your appointment if you get this all figured out before you come in. We can also help you in some instances. If we can’t, you will need to speak directly with your insurance company.
6. Ask someone to come in with you
Bringing a trusted friend or loved one with you to a hearing appointment isn’t absolutely necessary, but it can provide several benefits. amongst the most notable benefits are the following:
- You’re likely to go over a lot of info at your exam. Having a dependable friend or loved one with you can help you remember all of that information when you get home.
- Even when you can’t tell that you have hearing loss, people close to you will certainly be aware of it. This means that we will have access to even more information to help make a definitive diagnosis or exam.
7. Be prepared for your results
It may be days or even weeks before you receive the results of many medical diagnostics. But with a hearing exam, that’s not the situation. With a hearing test, you will get the results right away.
And better yet, we’ll walk you through what your results mean and how you can improve your general hearing health. Perhaps that’s a hearing aid, maybe it’s some changes to your behavior, or some hearing protection. You’ll know immediately either way.
So you don’t have to overthink it. But it is helpful, mainly for you, to be prepared!