It’s completely normal to be nervous when heading to the audiologist for the first time. Many worry about any potential diagnoses. You’re already on the right track by seeing an audiologist for your hearing loss, and it’s important to see an ear specialist as early as you can when you start experiencing symptoms.

Active Hearing Health is a local audiologist in Omaha, NE, and we want you to know that your audiologist has your best interest in mind. We want you to be able to keep enjoying your life just as you are, but with healthy hearing. Below are tips on how to prepare for your appointment, as well as what you can expect.

How to prepare for your first audiology appointment

A lot of people find that being prepared for your first audiologist appointment takes some of the stress away. Things you can do to prepare for your appointment include writing down any questions or concerns you have, making a note of your symptoms, compiling any relevant medical information and doing a little bit of research. 

A few common questions people ask are, “What caused my hearing loss?”, “What can I do to avoid losing more of my hearing?” and “How many follow up appointments will I need?” Making a note of your symptoms will also help, so when your audiologist asks you won’t have to try and remember all of them off the top of your head., It’s a sure-fire way to make sure nothing gets left out.

Medical information needed includes any current medications, if you’ve experienced any hearing loss symptoms before and if any family members have a history of hearing loss. You can also bring a family member or a friend with you. Having a loved one alongside is the best way to ease your nerves.

What to expect at your first audiology appointment

Your audiologist will begin your appointment with a hearing consultation, and they may perform some hearing tests to diagnose your extent of hearing loss. Telling your audiologist about any specific problems you’re experiencing will help them diagnose you correctly. For example, if you have a hard time while talking on the phone or if you have a hard time hearing when there’s a lot of background noise

Feel free to ask your audiologist to speak louder, more clearly or slower if you’re having a hard time hearing them; they’re used to speaking to people with all different types of hearing loss. When the hearing consultation is completed, your audiologist will let you know the results and will discuss a treatment plan that caters to your lifestyle. Your ear specialist can also show you all of the hearing aid options available to you, if needed.

Why you should see an audiologist in Omaha, NE

There are several reasons why you should visit your local audiologist in Omaha, NE. It’s important to get an accurate hearing evaluation, to learn different treatment plans, to have a more personal visit and to be sure you get quality services and hearing aids. If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of hearing loss, contact us today!