Preparing for Your First Audiologist Appointment

Prior to your initial appointment, a million questions might be running through your head. Most of them will be answered by the audiologist during your appointment but some may not so it is always a good idea to write down any questions you have prior to the appointment to ensure they are answered during the appointment. Here are some questions you may want to consider asking your audiologist during your first appointment.

• Expectations. This is a general term, but it is good to discuss with your audiologist. Ask them what you should expect during the appointment and any follow-up appointments. Ask what you should expect from them, as your audiologist. Ask what your audiologist expects of you. By asking about expectations it ensures that everyone is on the same page when it comes to your hearing health.
• Can you really help? This is a great question to ask. Knowing if or how your audiologist is going to help you with your hearing health needs is important. This stems back to expectations and know what to expect and understanding what to expect is important especially when it comes to your hearing needs.
• What are these tests like? Asking your audiologist prior to testing what the tests are and what you can expect is important. This way you will not be as surprised during the testing and will know what to expect for each test. At the same time you should ask what each test is for and why they need to do it this will help you understand better the process of each test.
• And the results mean what? Make sure you ask your audiologist to explain your test results so that you fully understand then. Hearing jargon will be used, but your audiologist should also be able to explain to you in everyday words what your hearing test results mean and why. Using both the technical and non-technical terms will help you understand more now and in the future when it comes to your hearing loss.
• Costs. Be sure to go over with your audiologist any and all costs associated with your appointments and hearing aids. You want to be sure there are no hidden fees. Be straight forward with your audiologist so that you both know and understand the costs you are comfortable with. Check and see if there are payment plans, discounts or do they direct bill to insurance companies. Check all of your options prior to your appointment to know how much you can afford and to know how much if covered by health benefit or military plans.

Your first appointment with your audiologist may be incredibly comprehensive, but it doesn’t have to be confusing. Consider the above questions when you meet with your audiologist!