Preparation is the key to a successful visit when you're making an appointment with any health professional, be they a doctor, nurse, or audiologist. If you don't consider certain details ahead of time, you may leave the office feeling frustrated or confused about the results of your tests or what to do next.

Here's how to make the most of your appointment with your audiologist.

Dig out your medical records.

Even seemingly unrelated conditions like heart disease can cause hearing loss, so don’t leave any stone unturned when talking about your hearing issues! Your audiologist will benefit from seeing your medical records because they can use the information to figure out potential causes of your hearing loss or other issues like tinnitus.

Make a list of all the medicines you take.

Some drugs, like those for anxiety, can cause hearing loss as a side effect. Even though your medical records should have a list of your current and past medications, it's a good idea to bring your list.

Don't underestimate the hearing aid fitting.

If your hearing test indicates you’d benefit from hearing aids, your Audiologist will help you find the most appropriate devices for your unique hearing loss and lifestyle. Once selected, you’ll be scheduled to return for a hearing aid fitting appointment with your provider.  Its purpose is to ensure that your new hearing aids are programmed perfectly for you, fit well, and sound great. 

To fit hearing aids, much more is required than simply choosing the right device for your hearing needs. To get the most out of your hearing aids, we must also program them correctly to give you the right amount of amplification. 

This process often takes more than one office visit because people’s brains usually need some time to acclimate to regaining sounds they’ve long been unable to hear. This process will be expertly led by your audiologist and is vital for the success of your hearing aid experience. 

Block out enough time.

There will be a lot to take in, and you want to ask any questions without feeling rushed. During your hearing aid fitting appointment, you'll learn how to put it in and take it out as well as control the devices to your needs. We'll talk about batteries and how to change them or recharge them if applicable. 

We want to make sure they fit right, and you know what you're doing, so it could take up to two hours. We will set up a follow-up consultation to continue the process of improving your hearing experience with your new devices. 

Think about your hearing needs.

Take some time to think about what's most important to you and discuss it with a friend before you go to your appointment. Think about the times you have the most trouble hearing because of your hearing loss, and write down when you need extra help. 

Do you find it hardest to hear when there's a lot of background noise or when you're in a meeting at work? Maybe you’re afraid to drive because you can't hear the sounds around you. If you tell us what's most important to you, we can program your hearing aids to work best in those situations.

Write down a list of questions to ask.

Take some time to think about what you want to ask your hearing professional before you go to your appointment. This way, you can get the most out of any advice and knowledge they have to offer. 

Also, there will be a lot of new information, so don't be afraid to write things down with a pen and paper or a digital device to help you remember. Even though the audiologist may give you written instructions, feel free to write down anything you think is essential. It will help you keep in mind those critical details.

Bring someone your trust.

Having a friend with you will help you ensure you've heard and understood everything, from the first hearing test, to choosing a device, to any follow-up appointments and adjustments. During your audiologist appointment, you'll receive a lot of information. Having a friend or partner with you will make the information less overwhelming.

Since two heads are better than one, your friend can help ensure you have all the necessary information by taking notes. When you get home, you can look at your notes to remember everything and get the most out of your appointment.

Prepare your expectations about what hearing treatment can do.

With glasses, you can often get your vision back to 20/20. With hearing loss, the path to better hearing is a process requiring an experienced Audiologist and your active participation. Through a proper programming and fitting process following Audiology Best Practices, over time you’ll be able to regain your confidence hearing and communicating with more ease.

If you've had hearing loss for a while, it will take your brain some time to get used to processing sounds it hasn't heard. To be successful with hearing aids, you must be patient and follow the expert guidance of your audiologist. They are dedicated to helping patients not only hear better but also be able to understand verbal communication in the settings that matter most. 

Hearing aids help many people reconnect with their loved ones and live the kind of life they want. If you are in the Charlotte area and are experiencing signs of hearing loss, we invite you to schedule with one of our top-rated audiologists today!