How to prepare for your first in-home hearing aid consultation
Introduction:
Convenience in healthcare is key in today’s world and for many, finding the time to prioritize healthcare needs can be challenging, especially for those who are elderly, disabled, or busy with work. However, with the advent of in-home hearing aid consultations, accessing essential services has become doable more than ever.
In-home hearing consultations are considered the best in my opinion because your hearing is tested in your natural habitat. And because The British Society of Audiology (The BSA) Procedure Protocol states that ambient noise below 35 decibels is required for a gold-standard hearing test, I would argue that a quality hearing test can be achieved in a quiet home along with hearing aid programming.
This article aims to explore the benefits of hearing aid home visits and provide valuable insights on how to prepare for such appointments, ensuring a smooth and effective consultation process.
How to Prepare:
1. Don’t be exposed to loud noise a day before your hearing aid consultation:
In the next 12-16 hours that lead up to your hearing aid home visit consultation, it’s important to avoid exposure to loud noises beforehand. Being exposed to loud noises, such as concerts, sporting events, or power tools, can temporarily reduce your hearing sensitivity, and even impair hearing quality, which in turn could potentially affect the result of your hearing test. So, by minimizing exposure to loud environments, you can ensure the most accurate assessment of your hearing abilities during the hearing aid programming and testing.
2. Have your ears cleaned out before your appointment:
Ensure your ears are clean and free from wax buildup before your hearing aid appointment because earwax can obstruct the passage of sounds to your eardrums, thereby affecting the accuracy of test results and the hearing aid programming. Cleaning your ears beforehand allows for a clear ear canal and auditory pathway for sounds, which in turn, allows for a precise assessment of your hearing capabilities. Consider scheduling for a professional ear cleaning with your audiologist or result to using gentle methods to remove excess wax at home such as over-the-counter ear drops specifically designed for earwax removal. Never use cotton swabs or sharp objects to clean your ears, as this can cause scratches or injuries to your ear canals and damage your eardrums.
3. Have a support friend or family member around:
Are you feeling nervous about your hearing aid consultation? Consider having a friend or family member stay at home with you. Having the supportive presence of a loved one can help alleviate anxiety and provide reassurance during the appointment. Additionally, if you severely struggle with hearing loss, having an extra set of ears present can help you remember and recall information that would be provided to you by your audiologist.
4. Prepare to give a history of your hearing:
Before your audiologist arrives, take some time to reflect on your hearing journey and compile a detailed hearing history.
When did you first notice a decline in your hearing?
Has it gotten progressively worse over time?
Are there specific situations where you struggle to hear (e.g., conversations in noisy environments, following phone calls)?
Also, make a list of any medications you’re currently taking. Certain medications may impact hearing, and understanding your medical background enables the audiologist to interpret test results more effectively. Be prepared to discuss any past hearing issues, past experiences with hearing aids, and any changes in your hearing health over time.
Sharing this information with your audiologist helps them understand the bigger picture and interpret the hearing test results more effectively.
5. Reschedule if you’re sick:
It is always okay to reschedule If you’re feeling unwell on the day of your hearing aid consultation. Some illnesses, particularly conditions like the flu or allergies, can affect your hearing, leading to inaccurate test results or hearing aid programming. Rescheduling ensures a more reliable assessment of your hearing and allows you to fully benefit from the consultation when you’re feeling better.
Conclusion:
In-home hearing aid consultations offer a convenient and accessible option for individuals seeking assistance with their hearing health. By following these preparation tips, you can optimize your experience and ensure the most accurate assessment of your hearing needs. Embrace the convenience of in-home services and embark on your journey to improved hearing with confidence.
