5 Ways to Get the Most from Your Audiologist Appointment

You’re starting to suspect you have hearing loss, maybe someone in your family has hinted at the possibility, but what should you do next?

The best course of action if you suspect you have hearing loss is to have a hearing test performed by an audiologist. A hearing test will enable the hearing care professional to figure out how mild or severe your hearing loss is and then provide a proper treatment.

But how do you make sure you get the most from your audiologist appointment?

1. Visit an audiologist

Audiologists are incredibly versed and knowledgeable when it comes to your hearing health and the best forms of treatment for any ear issues. An audiologist doesn’t just read the audiogram and pick a device off the shelf, but interprets the graph, considers your overall lifestyle, capabilities and needs, and then recommends the proper hearing aid for you.

You are far more likely to use a device recommended by an audiologist because their motivation is finding what’s right for you, rather than meeting a sales target or shifting old models from the stock room.

2. Know your medical history

Take along a list of any medications you take. Some drugs have side effects that can include impaired hearing, and the audiologist will want to know about them. Also, certain health conditions carry an increased risk of hearing loss, so be prepared to share your medical history in order to get the most from the visit.

3. Get personal

The more information you give the audiologist, the better they can address the causes of your hearing loss and then match you with an ideal hearing device. It helps if you can tell them what sort of problems you are experiencing and when you struggle the most to hear. Your hobbies are also relevant, whether its sports or sewing, as this influences where you spend time and therefore the soundscape you visit most often.

4. Bring a friend

Your audiologist may encourage you to take a friend or family member along when you come to their office. At the risk of using a cliché, “Two pairs of ears are better than one,” and that friend may recall information you struggled to hear, and be able to share it with you.

5. Decide your needs and wants

Think about what’s most important to you, in terms of a hearing device and treatment. There are many different types of hearing aids available, each with their own settings and features. It might be this is your first device so you want something simple to operate. Having an idea of what technology appeals most to you is crucial when visiting your audiologist.

Making an appointment with an audiologist is your first step to better hearing health! If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to bring them up with your audiologist at the appointment.