How to Prepare for a Hearing Exam

You may think that a hearing test isn’t one you can prepare for. However, just like any examination, proper preparation ahead of time can help provide peace of mind and assurance that you’re most ready for the upcoming exam. Unlike other tests (especially those from school days), there’s no right or wrong way to prepare for a hearing examination and, during it, there are no right or wrong answers.

Nevertheless, taking some time to prepare can help make your appointment more relaxing and informative.

Consider the following suggestions when preparing for your first hearing test.

Write down your symptoms

Upon entering the audiologist’s office, it is easy to quickly become flustered and nervous. Don’t worry — that’s normal behavior. Anticipate and overcome this by writing down all of your symptoms and concerns ahead of time. Suggested items to write down include:

• Concerns with/evaluation of your overall health
• Symptoms of hearing loss, such as hearing muffled sounds, inability to perceive high-pitched noises, listening to the television at a loud volume. Other specifics related to hearing loss symptoms include:
  • Ringing in the ear
  • Perceived hearing loss in one or both ears
  • Pain in the ear
  • Difficulty hearing in specific environments
• Family history, especially of hearing loss

Write down your questions

Remembering all of the questions you’ve been thinking of the week prior to your appointment can be difficult to remember when you’re finally in the audiology office. As such, it is important to write down your questions ahead of time on a piece of paper or in your tablet or smartphone that you can bring with to the appointment. Questions to consider include:

• What happens during the test?
• When will you get the results?
• What will the results tell you?
• Will I need hearing aids?
• Will my insurance pay for the appointment?
• Will my insurance pay for hearing aids?
• Is my hearing loss permanent?
• How did I get hearing loss?

Bring a friend

Along with your lists of questions and concerns, it’s a good idea to go into a hearing test appointment armed with a friend or family member. They can take notes while you are engaged with the audiologist.

If you believe you may be suffering from hearing loss, schedule an appointment with an audiologist in your area. Having your hearing tested is the first step to understanding what condition your hearing health is in and if you need any treatment.