There are several reasons why you should have a hearing test. If left unchecked, hearing loss can lead to social isolation, cognitive loss, and an adverse impact on your relationships. However, it would help if you did some preparation before seeing an audiologist for a hearing test. A hearing exam can be stressful, so here are some things you can do to prepare.
1. Choose the Best Audiologist
Do your research or ask referrals as to the best audiologist in your area you can consult.
Set an appointment with an audiologist convenient for your schedule and close to where you live or work. If you require after-hours appointments, look for an audiologist that works evenings and weekends.
2. Prepare Your Medical History and Prescription Lists
Preliminary medical history is taken before the audiologist examines your ears because some illnesses might damage your hearing. This portion of the exam will go smoothly if you have highlighted pertinent medical events and listed all your medications. The audiologist will ask about ear infections and medicines, as some drugs can cause sensorineural hearing loss.
3. Bring a Companion
It is vital to bring a family member or a friend with you to your hearing test. Because they engage with you regularly, they have a unique perspective on your hearing capacity. While you may claim to the audiologist that you have no difficulty hearing dialogue, their experience may show differently.
Furthermore, if you are anxious or concerned about the hearing test, a pleasant face and voice will be reassuring.
4. Don’t Go If You’re Sick
Allergies, colds, sinus infections, and ear infections can all create fluid in the ear. During the exam, the audiologist will assess the hearing function of your ears. If you have fluid in any of your ears, the test findings will be inaccurate. If you have been feeling sick, phone the audiologist’s office and reschedule your hearing test.
5. Refrain from Loud Noises
Exposure to loud noises might cause hearing impairment. Even brief exposure to loud noise can impair your hearing.
The audiologist will calculate the minimal threshold to hear pure tones and dialogue as part of your hearing test. If you have just been exposed to loud noise, your ears are still recuperating, and your hearing test results will be inaccurate. So, avoid loud noises for 12 hours before your hearing test, and ensure that your ears are well-rested.
6. Examine Your Financial Situation
Check your health insurance coverage to determine whether there is a provision for covering the cost of a hearing device. In addition, check with your doctor to see whether you need a recommendation from your doctor to see an audiologist for the insurance to be valid.
Alternatively, if money is an issue, several philanthropic organizations or programs can help with the cost of a purchase.
7. Do Your Research
Do some research online or talk to people who have gone through the same thing. Be sure to inquire about how the testing went, as well as what they were hearing and feeling. Videos of hearing tests may be seen on the internet, and take a look at the images of the equipment in use.
Conclusion
Taking a hearing test is scary for most people. Many are entirely unfamiliar with the situation and have no idea what to expect. They are afraid of having probes implanted into their ears due to scary stories and misconceptions they may have heard.
For this reason, it is best to be prepared and familiar with the process of a hearing test, so you know there is nothing to worry about. Take your hearing test with ease with Hear More Associate. We are the most trusted hearing care specialist for patients throughout Lexington and Greater Boston, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island. We provide the most accurate and reliable hearing tests in Lexington, all for free. Call us for a free hearing test today!
