Preparing for any medical assessment can be daunting, and hearing testing is no exception. Typically, people either make these appointments on their own because they suspect their hearing has worsened, or their audiologist recommends it because they suspect a decline. Finding out that your hearing loss is progressing can be disappointing, but taking this test is an important step towards getting you help to hear better, if needed. Here are some ways you can stay calm before the appointment.

How to Reduce Stress for a Hearing Testing 

1. Know What to Expect

It’s normal to feel uneasy before unfamiliar events. Oftentimes, anxiety is simply a result of not knowing what to expect. If you’ve never been for a test before, ask for a rundown of what the process entails when you make your appointment. That way, you’ll know exactly what will happen during your visit and there will be no surprises. 

Even if you’ve been through hearing testing before, you may feel more comfortable asking for a quick recap of what to expect. Sometimes, offices receive new equipment or change testing protocols, so it never hurts to ask. 

2. Bring Someone Along

You may feel more at ease if you have someone accompany you to your test. While there’s no medical need to have another person with you, a support person can act as a distraction during the drive to the appointment and for the brief period you spend in the waiting room. Also, knowing that you have someone waiting for you can give you something to look forward to as you complete your test. 

3. Come Prepared

While hearing testing itself is important for determining whether you have hearing loss and if it could be progressing, the conversation you have with your specialist is also important. To that end, it may help to come prepared with facts about your hearing history, such as whether you spent any time operating loud machinery or a history of ear infections. 

If you have any questions for them, prepare them in a list so you remember to ask them during your visit. Lastly, leaving early enough so you have plenty of time to get to your appointment can also help to eliminate any unneeded stress.

If you’re seeking stress-free hearing testing in the Elizabethtown, KY, area, turn to Heartland Better Hearing. This team offers a range of hearing products tailored to their users’ unique needs, including phones, alarm clocks, and TV ears. They also offer free evaluations for anyone who suspects they may have hearing loss, either in their office or in the convenience of your home. Find out more about their services online or schedule a free hearing test by calling (270) 735-9352.