You’ve grown tired of struggling to hear at the movies and when you’re out to a family dinner at Mulligan’s Beach House, so you decided to make an appointment with an audiologist. This is a great first step in prioritizing your hearing health. However, you may be feeling overwhelmed and unsure of how to prepare.
Let’s examine a few things you can do before you meet with your audiologist to ensure you get the most out of your appointment.
Write Down the Ways Hearing Has Become Difficult for You
Do you notice it’s hardest for you to hear in certain environments? Or are their sounds like birds chirping or your grandchildren’s voices that you seem to especially struggle with? This information can be helpful for your audiologist to use in conjunction with the results of your hearing test to determine the best treatment plan.
Gather Your Medical Information
It can also be helpful for your audiologist to know if you have any medical conditions regardless of whether or not they are directly related to your hearing loss. Write down any chronic issues you have, medications you take, and even illnesses that run in your family to have ready at your appointment.
Do Your Own Hearing Aid Research
There are a lot of options today when it comes to hearing aids, including different styles, sizes, features and accessories. Familiarizing yourself with some of your options and considering what might work best with your lifestyle can help you better discuss your preferences when you speak with your audiologist.
Write Down Any Hearing Related Questions
If you have questions about hearing loss, hearing aids or other treatment options, write them down before going to your appointment so that you don’t forget.
If you’re unsure of what to ask, the American-Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) also recommends that you use the “Ask Me 3 Questions” method, which includes:
- What is my main problem?
- What do I need to do?
- Why is it important for me to do this?
Bring a pen and paper or use your Notes app on your phone to write down any information your audiologist gives you so that you can go over it again when you’re home.
If you have additional questions or would like to schedule your first audiological exam, contact Aaron's Hearing Aid & Audiology Center today.