Get ready for a great appointment with these helpful hints.
Seeing a hearing healthcare professional is an important part of caring for your overall health. Going through the process of choosing an audiologist and booking your first appointment is a vital first step.
But now that your visit is booked, what should you do to prepare for your first appointment?
To make sure your audiologist appointment goes as smoothly as possible, here are some things you should do to prepare:
- Know what to expect
- Gently clean your ears
- Bring your medical records & prescription list
- Take notes about your hearing
- Make a list of any symptoms you notice
- Come prepared with questions
- Research assistive hearing technology
- Bring a family member
Let’s learn more about these audiologist appointment preparation tips below.
Know what to expect
When you’re doing something new for the first time, it can relieve some anxiety to know what to expect ahead of time. Here’s a quick rundown of what your first audiologist appointment might look like. Your provider will ask you a variety of questions, examine your ears, and do some tests so they can make a thorough assessment of your hearing and make educated recommendations.
Gently clean your ears
There’s no need to get too fancy with this one. Many people just feel more comfortable freshening up a little bit before any appointment that involves a physical exam. Don’t use Q-tips or anything that goes inside your ear — instead, use a warm washcloth to gently wipe down the external ear. (See more of our ear care tips here.)
Bring your medical records & prescription list
It’s important to bring your medical records and a list of any prescriptions you are currently taking to your appointment. This will help the audiologist get an accurate assessment of your hearing and any potential medical issues that could be affecting it. Some medications have been linked to hearing loss, although in many cases, it’s temporary. An audiologist can help you figure out the potential sources of any hearing loss you’re experiencing.
Take notes about your hearing
In the weeks leading up to your audiologist appointment, spend some extra time paying attention to how well you can hear in different situations. Take note of how well you can hear conversations, background noise, and even how well you can hear more subtle sounds like birds chirping or leaves rustling. This will help your audiologist diagnose your hearing level.
Make a list of any symptoms you notice
If you’ve been experiencing any symptoms related to your hearing, it’s helpful to make a list of them before your appointment. This could include things like ringing in the ears, dizziness, or difficulty understanding conversations in noisy environments. Beyond hearing loss, audiologists can also diagnose conditions like tinnitus and balance disorders.
Come prepared with questions
Your audiologist appointment is an opportunity for you to ask questions about your hearing. As such, it’s important to come prepared with any questions you may have. This can include questions about potential causes of hearing loss, lifestyle changes, treatment options, and more. If you’re looking for more specific guidance, here are seven questions to ask at your audiologist appointment!
Research assistive hearing technology
If you’re considering using assistive hearing technology or hearing aids, it’s a good idea to research the different types of options available to you. Your audiologist may suggest specific types of devices based on your hearing loss. Knowing some of the options ahead of time will help you ask the right questions and make an informed decision.
Bring a family member
It can be helpful to bring a family member or friend to your appointment, if you’d like. Not only will they be able to support you in making decisions about your hearing health, but they can also help give the audiologist additional insight into any difficulties you’ve been having with your hearing that you may not have noticed.
Remember, your audiologist is here to help you. Don’t be afraid to be honest and ask questions. No matter what, you’ll walk out with more information than you had before and renewed confidence in your hearing plan for a healthy future.
Keep reading the CapTel blog for more hearing loss insights and information!
