You’re a really busy person, so it’s reasonable that you totally forgot about the hearing exam you have scheduled for tomorrow. It’s a good thing we sent you a reminder text so you should have a few hours to prepare. So… what should you do?
You won’t need to stay awake 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 regarding your symptoms. In other words, getting ready for your hearing exam is really about making certain you get as much out of your time with us as possible.
Here are 7 easy ways to get prepped and ready!
1. List out all of your symptoms and when you experience them
The symptoms of hearing loss differ from person to person and at different times. There may be some symptoms that are apparent and others that are more subtle. So, before you come in, it’s a good idea to begin taking some notes on when your hearing loss is most significant. Some things you can list out include:
- When you’re out in a busy restaurant, do you strain to hear conversations? If so, how frequently does that take place?
- During meetings at work, do you lose focus? What time during the day is this most prominent?
- Is talking on the phone difficult? Record times when it’s more difficult to hear people than usual.
- 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?
We find this kind of information very helpful. If you can, take note of the time and day these symptoms occurred. If you can’t, just note that they did happen.
2. Get some information about hearing aids
How much do you actually know about hearing aids? It’s a relevant question because you don’t want to make any decisions influenced by what you think you know. A good time to get some accurate info is when we advise you that hearing aids would benefit you.
Knowing what types of hearing devices are available and what your preferences might be can help speed up the process and help you get better answers.
3. Consider your medical past
This one will also help the process go faster after your appointment. Before your appointment, you should take some time to write down your medical history. Write down major medical incidents and also minor ones. You should note things like:
- Any medical equipment you use.
- Surgeries you’ve had, both major or minor.
- Allergies and reactions to medicines.
- Any history of sickness or health problems (you don’t have to note every cold, but anything that sticks out).
- Medications you’re currently taking.
4. Avoid loud sounds and noisy settings
If you attend a booming rock concert the night before your hearing test, it’s going to impact the results Similarly, if you check-out an airshow the morning before your exam, the results will not be correct. You can see where we’re going with this: you want to protect your ears from loud noises before your hearing exam. This will help ensure your results are accurate and reflect your current hearing health.
5. Before you come in, talk to your insurance company
It can be a bit confusing sorting out what parts of your visit will be covered by insurance. Some plans might cover your hearing test, especially if it’s part of a medical condition. But not all plans will. 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 certain instances. If not, you can talk to your insurance company directly.
6. Ask somebody to come in with you
Bringing a trusted friend or loved one with you to a hearing appointment isn’t strictly necessary, but it can provide numerous benefits. amongst the most prominent benefits are the following:
- Even when you can’t tell that you have hearing impairment, people close to you will absolutely be aware of it. This means that we will have access to even more insight to help make a definitive diagnosis or exam.
- You’re likely to go over a lot of info during your appointment. Having a dependable friend or loved one with you can help you remember all of that information when you get home.
7. Be prepared for your results
It might be days or even weeks before you receive the results of many medical diagnostics. But that’s not the situation with a hearing exam. Similar to the bubble-sheet tests that got fed through the scantron machine when you were in college, you get your results right away.
And better yet, we’ll walk you through what your results mean and how you can enhance your overall hearing health. Perhaps that’s a hearing aid, maybe it’s some changes to your lifestyle, or some ear protection. Either way, you’ll know it right away.
So, you won’t have to cram for your hearing test. But being prepared will be helpful, particularly for you.