You’re a fairly busy person, so it’s understandable that you completely forgot about the hearing test you have scheduled for tomorrow. Luckily, you just got that reminder text from us, and you still have some time to get ready. So… what should you do?
You won’t have to stay awake all night cramming for a hearing test like you did in school the night before a big exam. With a hearing test, 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 test is really about.
Here are 7 simple ways to get yourself prepped and ready!
1. List out all of your symptoms and when they manifest
The symptoms of hearing impairment vary from person to person and at different times. Some symptoms might be more pronounced than others. So, before your appointment, it’s a good idea to begin taking some notes on when your hearing loss is most noticeable. Some things you can list out include:
- Was it difficult to hear the tv? How high is the volume? And do you experience that it’s harder to hear at night than in the morning?
- When you’re out in a crowded restaurant, do you struggle to keep up with conversations? Does that occur a lot?
- 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 harder to understand people than usual.
We find this kind of information very useful. Note the day and time of these symptoms if possible. At least observe the occurrence of the symptoms if you can’t record 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 founded on false information you might have heard somewhere. A good time to get some valid info is when we advise you that hearing aids would benefit you.
Knowing what types of hearing devices are available and what your preferences may be can help speed up the process and help you get better information.
3. Consider your medical past
This one will also help the process go faster after diagnosis. Before your appointment, you should take some time to jot down your medical history. Include major medical incidents and also minor ones. Here are a few examples:
- Medical equipment you might currently use.
- Major or minor surgical procedures that you have had.
- Sickness or diseases you’ve had that stick out in your mind.
- Medication interactions and allergies.
- Medications you’re currently taking.
4. Avoid loud noises and noisy settings
If you attend a loud rock concert the day before your hearing assessment, it’s going to impact the results The results will be similarly impacted if you attend an airshow the day of your exam. You can see where we’re going with this: you want to safeguard your ears from loud noises before your hearing test. This will ensure the results are a correct reflection of the current state of your hearing.
5. Before you come in, consult your insurance company
The way that health insurance and hearing tests interact can be… confusing. Some plans might cover your hearing exam, particularly if it’s related to a medical disorder. But not all plans will. It’s a good plan to get all of this figured out before your appointment, so you’re more confident about what you can expect. In some situations, you can work directly with us to get insurance answers. If we can’t, you will have to speak directly with your insurance company.
6. Bring a family member or friend in with you
Bringing a loved one or trusted friend with you to a hearing appointment isn’t absolutely necessary, but it can provide numerous benefits. Here are some of the most prominent benefits:
- You don’t always recognize 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.
- When you’re at your appointment, a lot of information will be discussed. Having a dependable friend or family member with you can help you remember all of that information later.
7. The results will come fairly quickly
With many medical diagnostics, it may be days or weeks before you get your diagnosis. But with a hearing exam, that’s not the situation. With a hearing test, you will get the results right away.
And what’s even better, we’ll show you how to improve your general hearing health and walk you through the meaning of your results. That might mean utilizing some hearing 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 test. But it is helpful, mostly for you, to be prepared!