You totally spaced your hearing exam tomorrow, but that’s not really unusual, you’ve been very busy. Luckily, you just received that reminder text from us, and you still have some time to prepare. So what should I do to get ready?
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. Preparing for a hearing exam is more about thinking through your symptoms and making sure you don’t forget anything. In other words, preparing for your hearing test is really about making certain you get as much out of your time with us as you can.
Here are 7 simple ways to get yourself prepped and ready!
1. Make 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 dominant 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:
- Is it frustrating to have conversations on the phone? Take note of times when understanding the person on the other end is more difficult.
- Do you find yourself losing focus during meetings at work? Does this normally happen in the morning? All day?
- Did you have a difficult time hearing the TV? Do you have it cranked way up? And do you notice that it’s more difficult to hear later in the evening than in the morning?
- Did you have trouble following a conversation while eating out in a crowded restaurant? If so, how often does that take place?
We find this kind of information very useful. Take note of the day and time of these symptoms if possible. If you can’t, just note that they did occur.
2. Get some info about hearing aids
How much do you really know about hearing aids? You don’t want to make any decisions based on false information you may have picked up someplace. If we tell you a hearing aid would be helpful, that’s would be the perfect time to ask informed questions.
Knowing what kinds of hearing devices are available and what your preferences may be can help speed up the process and help you get better answers.
3. Go over your medical history
This one will also help the process go smoother after your appointment. Before your appointment, you should take a little time to write down your medical history. This should consist of both major and minor situations. Here are a few examples:
- Any medical equipment you use.
- Surgeries you’ve undergone, both major or minor.
- Allergies and reactions to medications.
- Sickness or diseases you’ve experienced that stand out in your mind.
- What kind of medication you take.
4. Loud noisy settings should be shunned
If you have a hearing assessment scheduled and you attend a loud concert the night before, the outcome will be skewed. Similarly, if you check-out an airshow the morning before your exam, the results will not be accurate. You can see where we’re going with this: you want to protect your ears from loud noises before your hearing assessment. This will ensure the results are a correct reflection of the current health of your hearing.
5. Consult your insurance in advance
The way that health insurance and hearing tests interact can be… confusing. If your hearing impairment is part of a medical condition, some insurance plans will cover it. But not all plans will. You will be much more confident at your appointment if you get this all squared away before you come in. In some situations, you can work directly with us to get insurance answers. If we can’t, you will need to speak directly with your insurance company.
6. Ask somebody to come in with you
Bringing a loved one or trusted friend with you to a hearing appointment isn’t absolutely necessary, but it can present numerous benefits. amongst the most notable benefits are the following:
- When you’re at your appointment, a lot of information will be covered. When you get home, after the appointment, you will have an easier time recalling all of the information we give you if someone else is there with you.
- You don’t always detect when your hearing isn’t working right but it’s a safe bet your spouse or partner does! So our exam and diagnosis will be based on much deeper and more comprehensive information.
7. The results will come fairly quickly
It might be days or even weeks before you get the results of many medical diagnostics. But that’s not the case with a hearing test. With a hearing test, you will get the results immediately.
And what’s even better, we’ll show you how you can improve your general hearing health and walk you through the meaning of your results. That might mean using some ear protection or some behavioral changes or maybe hearing aids. You’ll know rather quickly either way.
So, you don’t have to cram for your hearing exam. But being ready will be helpful, particularly for you.
