If you are planning to get your hearing tested, then you could be taking a very positive step forward for your life. This is because if you do have hearing loss, the test can reveal this and you can begin to take steps toward addressing your condition.

However, if you have never taken a hearing test before, or even if you have, there are a number of steps that you should take to better prepare for your appointment and to ensure you get the most out of it. When getting ready for your hearing test, try the following four tips.

1. Take note of your symptoms

Before you go in for your hearing test, it is a good idea to take note of all the symptoms that you are having. This is because, combined with the results of your hearing test, a list of your symptoms can be used by the audiologist to help identify the cause of your hearing impairments. Hearing tests can also be used to validate your symptoms. Ask friends and family members if they’ve noticed any symptoms you may not have noticed yourself, such as: avoiding social situations, remaining quiet in group settings or turning the television and radio volume up too high.

2. Write down any questions

If you have any questions about the hearing test process, or anything related to your hearing issues, then you should write them down beforehand. This is because it may be difficult to remember them when you are getting ready to take your hearing test. Having a list of the questions can help you optimize your preparedness for the appointment.

3. Figure out payment beforehand

Before you go in for your hearing test, you should know exactly how you will be paying for it. Does your insurance policy cover the costs? Will you be paying in cash? Do you need a referral from your primary care physician for your insurance to cover the round of tests? You should know the answers for all of these questions before you go in for your hearing test.

4. Research hearing aids

If your hearing test reveals that you have hearing loss, and that you will need hearing aids, it is good to know beforehand what the different types of hearing aids are. Researching hearing aids is not an essential form of preparation for your hearing test. However, if you have severe hearing issues and you suspect that you will need hearing aids, it is a good idea to learn about them sooner rather than later.