A visit to any healthcare provider can sometimes be overwhelming. But if you’re better prepared, you’ll likely get more information from your provider and have a better experience. That’s especially true when your visit is with your audiologist. These tips can help you get the most from your next appointment.

If you have an appointment scheduled with your audiologist, it’s likely time for a check-up or to determine if there’s been a change in your hearing. In either case, you already know you have issues hearing, so you want to be sure you get the most out of your appointment time and don’t miss any important information.

Probably one of the most important suggestions we have is to bring a trusted friend or family member to your appointment with you. Sometimes, you are given a lot of information at an appointment, and it’s a good idea for someone else to be in the room to help you remember everything that’s said.

You also might want to consider asking your provider if it’s okay to record or video your visit with your phone so that you can go back and review important instructions. This is especially helpful if no one else can come with you.

And, if you’re not comfortable doing that or the provider prefers you don’t record the visit, you can always use an old-fashioned pen and paper to jot down the answers to any important questions or instructions you need to follow.

In addition, here are some other suggestions that may help you get the most from your appointment.

Before Your Visit:

• Write down the things you are worried about so you don’t forget.
• Write down a list of questions that you want to ask.
• Look up information about your problem before your appointment. This will help you know what to talk about with the audiologist.
• Bring a list of any medicines you are taking. Some medicines can impact hearing and many insurance companies require this information to be obtained and reviewed as part of your case history.

During Your Visit Ask:

• What is my main problem?
• What do I need to do?
• Why is it important for me to do this?
• Ask the questions you wrote down before your visit.
• Write down what you are told or have your loved one take notes. Remember to ask if it is okay for you to record the visit so you can listen again later.
• Ask the audiologist to write down any words you didn’t understand.
• Tell the audiologist what you think they said to make sure you understood.
• Find out how you can contact him or her if you have questions after you leave.

After Your Visit:

• Go over your notes, audio or video to see if you understand what was said.
• Talk with the person who came with you to see if you both heard the same thing.
• Call or email your audiologist if you have other questions.

Remember, your audiologist understands how important good communication is to living your life to the fullest and should welcome the opportunity to help you learn more about your condition and how you can be helped.

Time for a check-up? Schedule an appointment with a doctoral-level audiologist.