Hearing loss can have a big impact on your life, restricting your ability to hear and communicate with others, as well as your ability to do things you enjoy. While it may not appear to be an important process, making an appointment with an audiologist is the first step toward restoring your hearing ability, whether through hearing aids or ear wax removal. Your audiologist shares your desire to take positive steps toward mitigating your hearing loss and giving you the best hearing experience possible. You might be wondering what you can do to prepare for your audiologist appointment so that you get the most out of the experience once you’ve scheduled it.
Work out where you struggle the most
Take some time to think about where your hearing loss is coming from. Your audiologist will work with you to figure out what’s causing your acquired hearing loss. Are you having trouble following conversations or turning up the television volume louder than normal? This will help the audiologist come up with a more effective treatment plan for your hearing loss. Don’t worry if you’re not sure what the problem is!
Take a copy of your medical records
Because hearing loss can be caused by underlying conditions like heart disease, the medical record can be especially useful in these situations. Your audiologist will greatly benefit from seeing your health history because he or she will be able to evaluate your hearing loss using the information, allowing you to start treatment right away.
And take a list of medications you’re taking
Some medications, such as Xanax, can cause hearing loss as a side effect. While your medical record should contain a list of your current and previous medications, it’s a good idea to bring your own list with you, particularly if you’re self-medicating with an OTC prescription.
Write any questions you have down
It’s completely normal to be concerned and nervous. Hearing loss, after all, can be upsetting, especially if it happens unexpectedly. Make a list of any issues, fears, or worries you have so that you can talk to your audiologist about them. They’ll be able to explain why you’re having trouble hearing and present you with a number of options to consider. If you’re concerned about how your hearing loss will affect your relationships in the future, your audiologist will provide some advice that you and your loved ones can use to keep communication flowing. It’s always a good idea to take a family member or friend with you to ask questions and make notes of answers too.
Your lifestyle and hobbies
Finally, hearing loss can drastically change how you live your life, especially if you regularly engage in activities such as singing, playing an instrument, or even swimming. All of these (and more; these are just a few examples) could be affected by hearing loss, and it’s understandable that you don’t want to give them up. Your audiologist will be able to recommend treatment options that will allow you to continue doing what you love. Not only that, but the audiologist will learn about your hobbies and lifestyle in order to help you protect what hearing you still have.
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