Hearing loss is common; in fact, an estimated 48 million Americans experience the condition. Yet despite its prevalence, only about one in five people who could benefit from hearing aids actually wears them, and those who do wait an average of seven years to do so.
We know that there are a lot of barriers keeping you from taking the first step on your hearing journey. We want you to know that we’re here for you every step of the way.
Below are four things you should know before your first audiology visit.
I 1. Feeling Unsure Is Normal
If you’re feeling unsure or uneasy about scheduling a hearing test, we want you to know you’re not alone – a lot of people feel the same way. New experiences, especially when they can lead to news you don’t want to hear, are always scary. We want you to know that our caring team of audiologists and support staff are ready to make you feel as comfortable and welcome as possible.
2. Arrive Early
We’ll need you to fill out some intake paperwork before your visit, so make sure you arrive early. If you’re running late, please call our office and let us know.
3. Bring a List of Medications
There are approximately 200 medications on the market that have possible ototoxic side effects, meaning they can damage your auditory system. We ask all our patients what medications and supplements they take in order to confirm or rule out medication as a possible cause for your symptoms, so make sure to bring a list.
4. Friends and Family Are Welcome
In the pre-COVID era, we would recommend you bring a friend or family member to your appointment for support and to be an extra set of ears when the audiologist is going over the results of your audiogram. While this is no longer recommended due to safety regulations, we encourage you to include a loved one via phone call or FaceTime.
For more information about your first audiology appointment or to schedule an appointment for a hearing test, call the experts at Tinnitus & Hearing Experts today!