3 Tips to Get the Most out of Your Audiologist Visit

While you may have lost your hearing gradually over several years, you’ll only have a few hours to discuss it with an audiologist during your first appointment. That’s why it’s important to make the most of the time you have. To help, here are a few ways you can prepare before, during and after your hearing exam.

1. Before: get prepared

It’s easy to get flustered or distracted and forget to ask important questions during your exam, so start by writing down any pressing questions you may have (and be sure to take the list with you). If your questions are overwhelming or hard to articulate, reading up on your hearing symptoms or suspected condition may help pinpoint exactly what you want to know. Remember: no question is a bad question. Professionals like audiologists welcome questions. For one thing, it shows you’re engaged with your health and more likely to follow through with their advice.

Another thing you may want to do is arrange for a family member or friend to come with you. It’s an advantage to have another person to help you remember the important questions and retain the answers your audiologist provides. 

Lastly, bring a notebook and a list of medications you’re taking.

2. During your visit: ask and engage

Starting with these three key questions can get your dialogue started in the right direction:

• What is my main condition?
• What do I need to do?
• Why is it important?

Don’t just ask questions; write down or record the answers so you’ll have them to refer to. You’ll be taking in a lot of new, important information, so don’t count on remembering it all. It’s also a good idea to reiterate your audiologist’s answers back to them to make sure you’re understanding everything correctly. If there are any terms you don’t understand, ask them to explain it to you more plainly, or show you. And, before you leave, take down your audiologist’s contact information so you have it handy if you have any more questions later down the road.

3. After the visit: respond to the information

Sometimes you might need to read your notes, talk with the friend who accompanied you or follow up with your audiologist to make sure you understand everything you need to know about your hearing condition. Don’t be afraid to dig a little deeper – search the internet, go to the library or ask another expert for a backup opinion.

Finally, the most important way to make the most out of your visit with an audiologist is to respond to their recommended treatment, whether hearing aids, rehabilitation or medical referrals. Information is helpful, but if you don’t use it to improve your hearing loss, it will continue to have a negative impact on your health. Use these tips and determine to make the most of the time you have.