What to Expect During Your First Hearing Healthcare Visit

Congratulations! You’ve taken the important first step in your journey to better hearing – making the decision to do something about it. If you have never visited a hearing healthcare provider you may be wondering what’s involved in your first appointment, who you will be meeting with and what’s involved if a hearing aid is recommended. You should feel at ease during this visit. It will give you better insight into your communication needs, and by the end you may ask yourself why you waited so long! Bring Someone With You It is helpful to bring a spouse, family member or friend to your visit. The first appointment will be educational. You will discuss the aspects of hearing loss and your treatment options; having another person you trust can ease anxiety and make it a more relaxed experience for you. In many instances, the familiar voice is helpful for hearing aid demonstration purposes. Meeting With the Expert Most people choose their hearing healthcare provider through a recommendation from someone they trust. Take comfort in knowing that your needs will be addressed by a licensed hearing care provider with the professional qualifications and expertise to evaluate and advise you. Exceptional hearing care professionals pride themselves on meticulous attention to detail and investing the time to know you as a person. Expect to spend some time just talking to enable your hearing care professional to get to know you. It is important to talk about what you have been experiencing and recognize how hearing problems may be affecting you and your family. Preliminary Interview There are a few steps you will need to go through to help the hearing care provider get to know your unique needs and medical history before you actually get a hearing test.

• You should receive a warm and friendly greeting by the office staff. The office should make you feel welcome even though you may feel anxious about the appointment.
• Current educational material (brochures, etc.) about hearing loss and treatment options should be readily available in the reception area or upon request. The reception area should be clean, organized and inviting. There should be comfortable chairs. It must be handicap accessible.
• You likely will have to complete some forms asking for your name and signature – some government and third party insurance companies require these forms. The forms are designed to protect your privacy and inform you of your rights as a patient.
• Your hearing health provider will complete a detailed medical case history, asking you questions about your ears, hearing ability and any communication issues, paying special attention to any exposure to noise, tinnitus and balance problems.
• He/she may provide counseling that focuses on the underlying emotions of your hearing loss, allowing to express your feelings about your hearing loss and communication problems.

Your hearing and communication needs are unique. Your initial consultation with a hearing care professional begins with properly evaluating your hearing and learning about your lifestyle, priorities and your specific needs.