You totally forgot your hearing exam tomorrow, but that’s not really unusual, you’ve been really busy. Fortunately, you just got that reminder text from us, and you still have some time to prepare. So… what should you do?
Hearing exams aren’t like those days in college or high school where you’d have to pull an all-nighter to study for an exam. Preparing for a hearing exam is more about thinking through your symptoms and making certain you don’t forget anything. In other words, getting ready for your hearing test is really about making sure you get as much out of your time with us as you can.
Get prepared with these 7 tips!
1. Create a list of your symptoms (and when they manifest)
The symptoms of hearing impairment differ from person to person and at different times. Some symptoms may be more prominent than others. So take a few notes on when your symptoms are most noticeable before your appointment. You can write things down like:
- Is having phone conversations difficult? Keep track of times when it’s more difficult to understand people than normal.
- Was it difficult to hear the television? Do you have it turned way up? And do you experience that it’s more difficult to hear at night than in the morning?
- Did you have difficulty making out a conversation while eating out in a packed restaurant? Does that happen frequently?
- When you’re in meetings at work, do you lose focus? Does this tend to happen in the morning? All day?
This kind of information is very useful for us. If you can, note the time and date these instances occurred. At least observe the occurrence of the symptoms if you can’t remember the times.
2. Get some info about hearing aids
How much do you actually know about hearing aids? You don’t want to make any decisions founded on false information you might have heard somewhere. If we inform you a hearing aid would be worthwhile, that’s would be an ideal time to ask educated questions.
You will get better answers and the process will be expedited when you know what kinds of hearing devices are available and determine what your preferences are.
3. Consider your medical past
This is another instance when writing something down can help quicken the post-hearing-test-conversation. Before your appointment, you should take a little time to jot down your medical history. This should include both major and minor situations. You should note things like:
- Major or minor surgical procedures that you have undergone.
- Medications you’re currently taking.
- Illness or diseases you’ve had that stick out in your mind.
- Medical devices you may presently use.
- Allergies and reactions to medications.
4. Avoid loud noises and noisy environments
If you go to a loud rock concert the day before your hearing test, it’s going to affect the results Likewise, if you go to an airshow the morning before your exam, the results will not be accurate. The point here is that you should steer clear of loud noises before you come in for your hearing exam. This will ensure the results are an accurate reflection of the current health of your hearing.
5. Consult your insurance beforehand
It can be somewhat confusing sorting out what portions of your visit will be covered by insurance. Some plans might cover your hearing assessment, particularly if it’s related to a medical disorder. But not all plans will. You will be far more confident at your appointment if you get this all squared away 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 somebody to come in with you
There are several significant advantages to bringing a relative or friend with you to your hearing test, though it’s not absolutely necessary. Here are several of the most notable benefits:
- When you’re at your exam, a lot of information will be covered. Having a dependable friend or loved one with you can help you remember all of that information later.
- You don’t always detect when your hearing isn’t working right but it’s a good bet your spouse or partner does! So our exam and diagnosis will be based on much deeper and more detailed information.
7. The results will come fairly quickly
With many medical diagnostics, it might be days or weeks before you get your diagnosis. But with a hearing test, that’s not the case. With a hearing test, you will get the results right away.
And what’s even better, we’ll show you how you can improve your overall hearing health and help you understand the meaning of your results. That might mean utilizing some ear protection or some behavioral changes or possibly hearing aids. Either way, you’ll know it immediately.
So you don’t have to overthink it. But it is helpful, mainly for you, to be prepared!