Ways to Prepare for Hearing Test

Preparing for a hearing test can be done a multitude of ways. There is no real right or wrong, providing you prepare in a way that is right for you. Each person is different and no two people will find it useful to prepare the same way. Here you’ll find a few ways you can begin preparing for your test. 

Write down any questions you have

It can be too easy to forget what you really wanted to ask in the moment, especially at an appointment like this when you can get overloaded with information. Before you go to your hearing test, write down any questions, comments or concerns you may have. Your audiologist would rather you ask questions and had complete peace of mind when your audiologist gives you an answer. It’s a good idea to note down any symptoms or situations where you are noticing changes so you remember to mention them. For example, do you struggle during one- on-one conversation, or is it at louder events? The more information you take to your appointment, the better. 

Keep an open mind

Be open to what your audiologist tells you. They are highly trained and know what they are talking about. To have peace of mind beforehand, do plenty of research and look at third party reviews. This will give you confidence when attending your appointment. 

Ask for the medical questionnaire beforehand

Rather than filling out the medical questionnaire in the waiting room, it could be a good idea to ask for this ahead of time. It’ll give you plenty of time to fill out the required information and digest everything on there. You won’t feel rushed and miss anything out this way and will be able to give your audiologist a comprehensive picture of your hearing ability and health. 

Speak to your insurance company

Speaking to your insurance company before your appointment will ensure you have an idea of what is actually covered. Enquiring about your audiologist’s practice could also help.

Consider taking somebody with you

See if a friend or family member will attend with you if you are nervous. They may be able to help you raise concerns or questions you would have forgotten about and help to keep you calm. At the very least, they will likely be a calming presence should you feel you need them. 

Make sure you are in optimum health

As many different elements play in to your hearing and how healthy you are, you want to make sure you are in optimum health before your appointment. If you have a head cold, this could greatly affect the results of your test, so you will need to reschedule. You should not attend if you are sick or are not completely healed. Your audiologist would much rather you rearrange.

The audiologist needs to paint a complete picture of your hearing problems, so make sure you also have your medical history and a list of any issues you are prone to. 

Your audiologist may also remove wax before the appointment, as it can impact the ear and in severe cases, even cause tinnitus. Make sure you explain to the audiologist that you think you have excess or impacted wax beforehand and they will be able to set something up so that your appointment goes smoothly. 

Research various solutions 

Preparing yourself for the results will help to give you peace of mind if you anticipate being diagnosed with hearing loss. You might want to start by researching hearing aids, or even the various hearing loss tests available so you have an idea of what might happen when you’re at your appointment.

If you do need a hearing aid, your audiologist will work with you to find the best type depending on your lifestyle and your budget. There are numerous types for various degrees of hearing loss and lifestyle factors, so you’ll always find one to suit you. While doing your own research can help, asking your audiologist will give you the best idea of what’s right for you. 

Learn more about Sommerville Audiology & Hearing Aid Center 

If you have noticed changes in your hearing, then contact Sommerville Audiology & Hearing Aid Center today at 586-298-3788. You will be able to discuss anything you are experiencing and book an appointment to get a diagnosis. If you do need a hearing aid, you will be guided through the process by an expert to ensure that you leave with the perfect model for you.