Your first hearing appointment is scheduled and coming up. How exciting! You may be wondering what to expect and how to prepare for it, so we’ve compiled a handy guide for you in the lead-up to your audiology appointment.
Do Some Research
You can be sure that you and your audiologist will discuss hearing loss or tinnitus during your appointment, but it doesn’t hurt to be armed with the basics beforehand. Brush up on how hearing works or what tinnitus is (if you suspect you have tinnitus). Doing so will give you some foundational knowledge to help you navigate your conversation with the audiologist.
You may also want to research the various styles of hearing aids and consider your personal preferences. While you aren’t making a final decision at this point, familiarizing yourself with the devices ahead of time will make the decision much more approachable when the time comes.
That said, you don’t need to do exhaustive research. Don’t overwhelm yourself before your appointment. Keep your research to the basics and learn how the ear’s mechanisms work; your audiologist will fill in the rest according to your specific needs.
What to Bring
You won’t need to bring much to this appointment, but we do recommend you bring a notebook or other note-taking device, such as a smartphone app. You and your audiologist will cover a lot of information, and the information overload can make it hard to recall everything you go over after you leave the office. Taking notes while you chat will help you remember later.
You can also bring a loved one to your visit. A strong support network can make all the difference, and having a familiar face in the office with you will help ease any stress you might feel.
Compile Your Medical Information
Hearing loss can be caused by a multitude of factors: aging, loud noise exposure, certain medications, autoimmune diseases, cardiovascular conditions, ear stroke, ear infections and head trauma, just to name a few. Bring a complete medical history with you to your appointment, as it may contain valuable insights into your hearing health. Also consider family history; if any of your direct family members have also experienced hearing loss, that could inform your treatment, as well.
Treat Yourself
Oftentimes, people find visiting doctors and medical professionals intimidating and stressful. If you fall into this category, remind yourself that this step is a positive one for your hearing health and overall well-being, and then consider giving yourself some kind of treat or positive experience to help you relax. Grab a coffee at your favorite café on your way to the appointment, for example, or take a walk in a park nearby.
We at Albany ENT & Allergy Services want this to be a positive experience for you, because it’s a positive step in your hearing journey! If you have any other questions about what you need to do to prepare or what you need to bring to your appointment, call us ahead of time, and we will happily provide guidance. See you at your appointment!