Tips For Attending Your First Hearing Check

Your first hearing check is always a little daunting, even if you’ve read up on what to expect. You don’t quite know how that initial meeting is going to play out, and there’s probably a lot that you don’t know about ear health that might surprise you once you’ve had your first hearing check.

However, that apprehension or any nerves you have shouldn’t be something that puts you off from getting your hearing checked over. 

In this guide, we’ll look at what you can expect when attending your first hearing check appointment and how to have a successful one from start to finish.

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Before the appointment

Before the appointment, you’ll want to do a few things to ensure you’re ready for the hearing check.

Identify your symptoms

First and foremost, identify any symptoms of hearing loss that you’re aware of. Make a list of specific situations where you might be struggling to hear, from noisy restaurants to watching television and turning up the volume higher than normal.

Gather medical documents

It’s a good idea to make a note to gather all of your medical documents before you attend the appointment. Note any medical history, any past ear infections, surgeries, as well as any current medications you might be taking, as this can sometimes impact your hearing.

Avoid loud noises

Loud noises, whether that’s by working or going to a concert or using powerful tools on a worksite, should be avoided for around twelve to sixteen hours before the test. Otherwise, it might result in temporary hearing loss, which can skew your results.

Clean your ears

While you don’t need to do anything specific, it’s a good idea to ensure your ears are fully clear of excess wax. Don’t use cotton swabs inside the ear canal, as this can cause blockages.

Reschedule if you’re sick

If you’re sick, be sure to reschedule when you’ve got a cold or sinus congestion. This can affect the results.

Bring someone with you

Bringing along a family member or friend is a good way to provide support. It can also help you remember information and also offers insight into your daily communication struggles too.

During the appointment

During a hearing evaluation, there are a number of helpful tips to know. Such as:

Prepare questions

Write down questions to ask your audiologist to ensure you don’t forget them. From what types of hearing aids are available, to the causes of your recent hearing loss or issues.

Expect a thorough check

The appointment will typically take around an hour from beginning to end. From the chat about your history initially, to the visual ear exam and sound test. The results will then be discussed with you and the next best options, too.

Be honest

Be sure to answer the questions as honestly and truthfully as possible. There are no right or wrong answers during the hearing test; the goal is to simply measure the range of hearing you have available.

After the appointment

After the appointment, it’s important to review the results immediately. You’ll often get those results, sometimes shown on a graph called an audiogram, once the hearing test is complete.

If hearing loss is detected, then at this point, you’ll be discussing any potential solutions.

With this insight, you’ll be able to go into your first hearing check with confidence about what to expect, so it’s not so daunting.