How to Prepare for a Visit to a Hearing Specialist

Preparing to visit a hearing specialist like an audiologist is an essential step in addressing any hearing concerns you may be developing. Whether it’s you or a loved one who is looking for more insight into potential hearing issues, a symptom like tinnitus or just need a routine check, preparing for the visit will ensure you get more out of it.

Gather All Relevant Medical Information

The audiologist needs to build up a complete picture of the extent of your hearing loss. Gathering any relevant information can make it easier for your hearing specialist to pinpoint an appropriate course of action. This can include family history as some cases of hearing loss can be hereditary.

Additionally, make a list of any past or present medical conditions and any medications you are taking, as both can have an impact on the quality of someone’s hearing. Also, if you’ve had any hearing tests in the past, bringing copies of these records to your appointment can also help form a bigger picture for the hearing specialist.

Make Notes of Questions to Ask

If you have any concerns, it’s important for you to come away from the appointment feeling like you know as much as possible. You may want to ask questions about how effective hearing aids can be or what are the causes of your hearing difficulties. Additionally, asking any lifestyle-related questions to help protect your auditory system can also ensure that you understand how to get the most out of the appointment but also the treatment.

Note Any Symptoms

If you’ve been experiencing any prominent hearing-related symptoms like having to turn the television up, difficulty understanding speech, sensitivity to loud noises or a ringing-in-the-ears sensation commonly known as tinnitus, these can all help the audiologist to better assess your diagnosis. Be sure to note when the symptoms began, the impacts to your daily life and if they have gotten progressively worse over time.

Preparing for the Hearing Test

A typical hearing test involves what is called a pure-tone audiometry test, which involves sitting in a soundproof room wearing headphones and pressing a button every time you hear a sound. This particular test is direct and lasts approximately 15 minutes, but if you have any concerns about the evaluation, be sure to discuss these with the audiologist before you start. It is a non-invasive procedure that with your full understanding can provide critical details to the diagnosis process.

It is essential to respond honestly to any sounds you hear, rather than guessing whether or not you’ve heard something. The results of the hearing test are critical in diagnosing any hearing issues and therefore determining the most appropriate treatment for your needs. To make the process easier, you may want to bring a family member or friend with you as they can provide emotional support and offer any additional points that you haven’t talked about, especially with regard to the aforementioned notes and questions you have prepared

Being Prepared to Discuss Your Lifestyle

If you have any concerns that you have a hearing condition, you need to be sure to discuss your lifestyle and specific hearing needs with the audiologist. For example, if you work in a noisy environment, you need to communicate this so the appropriate hearing solutions can be discussed.

The audiologist needs to have a complete understanding of your lifestyle and specific needs because this can then guide the treatment toward the most appropriate measures. For example, someone with a more active lifestyle may benefit from a specific type of hearing aid whereas someone with dexterity issues may require a different one.

Arrive Earlier Than Your Appointment Time

A very little thing, but if you need to complete any paperwork before the appointment, you should aim to arrive at the hearing specialist’s office a little earlier than the scheduled time. This also allows you a few moments to relax before the appointment.

Preparing for a visit to a hearing specialist is an essential step toward addressing any hearing concerns. Your hearing ability is vital to the way you interact with everyone in your life, whether that’s coworkers or family members. The sooner you schedule an appointment with a hearing specialist the quicker you can get on the path to healthier hearing. Preparation is key, and if you want to book an appointment with an audiologist, you can contact us at the Hearing & Balance Services of Reston at 703-260-6192.