Scheduling an appointment for a hearing test is the first step in addressing your hearing concerns. However, it can be a difficult step to take when you are unsure of what to expect. Follow the guidelines below to reduce stress for your upcoming hearing test.

1. A new experience like a hearing test can result in unwanted anxiety.

Preparing answers to these common questions can be helpful exercise before you sit down with your audiologist.

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• Do you notice difficulty hearing in groups or talking on the telephone?

• Have you worked in noisy environments or had any exposure to loud noises?

• Are you missing certain words that bring clarity to a conversation?

• Do you have any other ear symptoms such as ringing/buzzing or pressure/pain?

• Do you hear better in one ear as compared to the other, and can you think of what may have caused this difference between your ears?

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2. Know what to expect for the hearing test.

Following the initial case history questions, your audiologist will look inside your ears. Quite often, the presence of ear wax may impede hearing or cause hearing loss symptoms. When your ears are clear, you will be instructed to listen for the softest tones you can hear under headphones. Your ability to understand speech will also be assessed by repeating words or phrases back to your audiologist. The test results will be explained so you can better understand what brought you in for an appointment.

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3. Bring a trusted friend or companion with you.

Many people do not realize much information you can receive during this appointment. Take the burden of memorizing your hearing test results and treatment plan off your plate. Allow this person to write down key points of the conversation to help you focus on answering your questions and concerns.

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4. Don’t postpone your hearing test.

The sooner you take this step towards understanding your hearing concerns, the less stressed you will feel. If you do have an ear or hearing related problem, you could delay essential treatment. It is important to establish a hearing baseline when you first notice an issue. Any lack of stimulation of sound to your ears can lead to even more detrimental hearing-related issues. Don’t delay…schedule an appointment with North Side Audiology Group today!