Do You Need to Prepare for a Hearing Test?

If you've never been for a hearing test before you might have some anxiety around what to expect. You might also worry about how you can prepare to ensure it all goes smoothly. The good news is that there is little you need to do and what you can prepare is outlined in the list below. 

List your medications and conditions 

Before you have a hearing test your audiologist will take a note of your medical history, any medications you are on and any conditions you have. This is important as some medications and illnesses can affect your hearing. 

If you want your hearing test to go smoothly and save time it's a good idea to make a list prior to the test. List your medications, the frequency of medications and any conditions you have, otherwise you will have to do this from memory at the audiologist office. 

Take a friend with you 

Some people might have some anxiety about going along to a hearing test with an audiologist. This is understandable especially if otoscope the first time you have attended the office. Don't be afraid to ask a friend or family member to come along. 

Having someone there who knows you is excellent moral support, but they can also help throw some light on the extent of your hearing loss. It will help the audiologist to hear someone's else's experience of your hearing capacity. 

Clean your ears

Wax regularly forms in the ear canal. Its purpose is to clean the ear and protect it from bacteria and infection. However, wax buildup can also affect your quality of hearing and your hearing test. 

Two days before your hearing test clean your ears properly of wax. Remember, don't use cotton swabs or put any objects into your ear. There is a risk of damaging your eardrum this way. Instead, use warm wash cloths or a spring with some olive oil in it. 

Avoid loud noises

It is well known that loud noises can damage your hearing. If you are regularly exposed to decibel levels over 80 there is a chance of long-term hearing loss. But your hearing can be affected by loud noises in the short term as well. 

Prior to your hearing test avoid any noises louder than a vacuum cleaner. If you expose your hearing to high decibel levels around 12 hours before the hearing test, it temporarily affects your hearing and the test's outcome. 

Cancel if sick 

If you have an illness, even a minor illness like a cold, it will negatively impact the hearing test. Illnesses like cold and flu can alter your hearing and cause a fluid buildup in the ear canal that will give your audiologist inaccurate readings. 

Furthermore, it's not very hygienic to go to the audiologist with a cold or flu. Your audiologist will examine your sinuses and you might spread germs if you are unwell. In this situation simply call, cancel and rearrange your hearing test.