You are set to see the doctor tomorrow or next week for your hearing test. You are panicking because you have never had one done before. There’s no need to panic, as hearing tests are relatively straightforward. While they are not complicated at all, here are some pointers on how to prepare for a test.
List of Medication and Medical Records
The audiologist will take your medical history before examining your ears. This is because some illnesses can negatively impact your hearing. The examination will go smoothly if you have all your medical records, including medication and key medical events. This ensures you don't forget anything during the appointment where you may find it hard to think on the spot. Therefore, the audiologist has more information to use when diagnosing your hearing problems.
Clean Your Ears
Use a warm washcloth to clean your ears. Wax may be the reason you do not hear properly. Clean your ears at least two days before your appointment. Avoid using cotton swabs or inserting anything as it can easily damage your ear canal.
Avoid Loud Noises
Loud noises may damage your hearing temporarily before the appointment. As part of the hearing test, the audiologist determines the minimum threshold to hear pure tones and conversation. More often than not, this comes when someone has been exposed to loud noises in the hours leading up to their appointment. When this happens, it affects the way you hear. As a result, it may seem like your hearing is a lot worse than it is, messing up the whole test. If your ears are recovering from loud noise, the results will not be accurate. Avoid loud noise for 12 hours before the appointment.
Don’t Go Sick
Some illnesses such as cold can cause fluids in your ears. As the audiologist carries out the test, they are bound to find the liquid, affecting your results and causing inaccuracies.
Grab a Friend
If you are anxious and stressed about the test, a friendly face will help you calm down. Also, you might need a person you have regular conversations with to determine if you have problems with hearing conversations.
Hearing Aids
Sometimes, you can be sure you have a problem with hearing. It is okay to research hearing aids to have an idea of what they are and how they can be beneficial to you if they are recommended after the test.
Preparing for the test will help ease anxiety and put you at ease with the process. Your hearing test results must come out accurate. Hence avoid loud noises or anything that may tamper with your hearing before the appointment.
If you are looking to book a hearing test, contact Attune hearing clinic for professional audiologist care. Visit our website for more details.
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