So, You Have an Audiology Appointment!

Preparation to get the best outcome from your hearing care professional.

Congratulations on taking an important step on your hearing loss journey.

Understanding the level of loss, and possible options for rehabilitation and treatment, can go a long way to ease the burden of hearing loss — no matter the level.

Seeing a hearing care professional* is a great opportunity to get the clarity and advice you need, but it can also be overwhelming.

Use this list to help you prepare and to ensure you get the most from your hearing care professional.

Use the below as a checklist to ensure you are fully prepared, and to ensure you continue to get value from your appointment long after it is done.

Preparing for Your Audiology Appointment

• Gather Medical Information: Understand the importance of providing a comprehensive medical history.
• Plan Ahead: Ensure timely arrival and familiarity with the location to minimise stress.
• Prepare Questions: Write down questions to address during the appointment for clarity. Depending on your situation and any information you have found or been provided, questions can include:
  • Can you explain the results of my hearing evaluation in detail?
  • What type and degree of hearing loss do I have, and what are the potential causes?
  • What treatment options are available for my hearing loss, and what are their pros and cons?
  • Do I need hearing aids, and if so, what type would be most suitable for my needs and lifestyle?
  • Is there a trial period and what are your return policies?
  • How do hearing aids work, and what features should I look for when selecting a device?
  • Are there any funding options available for me to help cover the cost of hearing aids and ongoing maintenance?
  • Will my insurance cover the cost of hearing aids or other treatment options?
  • How often will I need follow-up appointments, and what can I expect during these visits?
  • Are there any lifestyle or environmental factors that may affect my hearing health?
  • Is there anything I can do to prevent further hearing loss or protect my hearing in noisy environments?
• Seek Support: Consider bringing a trusted companion for emotional support and assistance.
• Conduct Research: Educate yourself about hearing loss and potential treatments before the appointment.
• Understand Personal Needs: Reflect on personal preferences and lifestyle factors to communicate effectively with the hearing care professional.
• Write Down Lifestyle Information: Compile information about lifestyle and medication usage for a holistic understanding.
• Consider Small Details: Recognise seemingly insignificant habits that may offer insights into hearing health.
• Understand Procedures: Familiarise yourself with the procedures involved in the hearing evaluation, such as audiometry tests and otoscopy examinations. Understanding what to expect can help alleviate any anxiety and ensure a smoother experience during the appointment.
• Investigate Funding Options: Inquire about insurance coverage and other eligible funding sources (like NDIS or the Government’s Hearing Services Program) to plan ahead financially.

During Your Audiology Appointment

• Active Participation: Engage actively during your appointment by asking questions and providing relevant information about your hearing concerns, medical history, and lifestyle factors. This collaboration helps your hearing care professional better understand your needs and tailor their recommendations accordingly.
• Clarify Instructions: If you’re unsure about any instructions given by your hearing care professional, don’t hesitate to seek clarification. Whether it’s about the testing process or how to use certain equipment, clear communication ensures that you’re following the necessary steps correctly.
• Express Concerns: Voice any concerns or discomfort you may experience during the appointment, whether it’s related to the testing procedures or any physical discomfort. Your hearing care professional can address these issues promptly to ensure your comfort and well-being.
• Take Notes: Consider taking notes during the appointment to help you remember important information discussed with your hearing care professional. This can include details about your test results, treatment options, and any recommendations provided.
• Ask About Results: Towards the end of the appointment, inquire about the preliminary results of your hearing evaluation and any immediate next steps. Understanding the initial findings can give you a better sense of your hearing health status and guide further discussions.
• Discuss Treatment Options: If hearing loss is detected, discuss the recommended treatments with your hearing care professional, including hearing aids or other assistive devices. Consider how these options align with your lifestyle and preferences. Take the time to understand the benefits, limitations, and costs associated with each option before making a decision.
• Navigate Hearing Aid Options: If offered hearing aids consider the following:
  • Understand Financial Implications: Understand the total cost and explore financial assistance options including insurance, NDIS and HSP — if eligible what will they cover? If out of reach, is BHA’s Hearing Access Program (HAP) an option?
  • Navigate Trial Periods and Return Policies: Ask about trial periods and return policies to make informed decisions.
  • Set Realistic Expectations: Understand and manage expectations regarding the benefits and adjustment period of hearing aids.
  • Clarify Maintenance and Care: Make sure you understand proper maintenance and care instructions to ensure optimal performance.
  • Secure Follow-up and Support Services: Ensure access to follow-up appointments and ongoing support for long-term care.
  • Avoid Pressure Sales Tactics: Be cautious of high-pressure sales tactics and prioritise informed decision-making.
• Seek Clarification: If there’s anything you don’t fully understand about your diagnosis, treatment plan or device recommendations, don’t hesitate to ask for further clarification. Your hearing care professional is there to provide you with the information and support you need to make informed decisions about your hearing health.

Getting the most from your hearing health appointments can help improve your connection and communication with the important people in your life.

After Your Audiology Appointment

• Verify Your Understanding: If you brought someone to the appointment with you, verify with them your understanding of everything discussed.
• Research Your Recommended Devices:
  • Evaluate Hearing Aid Features: Research the features and functionalities of different models to match individual needs.
  • Assess Quality and Reputation: Research the reputation of device manufacturers and devices for quality assurance.
• Adjust to Hearing Aids: If hearing aids were prescribed, understand that there may be an adjustment period as you get used to wearing them. Follow the hearing care professional’s guidance on proper use and care to optimise their effectiveness.
• Seek Additional Support: Don’t hesitate to reach out to your hearing care professional if you have any questions or concerns after your appointment. They are there to support you throughout your hearing health journey.
• Maintain Regular Follow-ups: Schedule any recommended follow-up appointments with your hearing care professional to monitor your progress and make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan.
• Practice Proper Care: Implement proper care and maintenance routines for your hearing aids to ensure they continue to function optimally. This may include cleaning them regularly and storing them properly when not in use.
• Monitor Changes: Pay attention to any changes in your hearing or symptoms and report them promptly to your hearing care professional. Keeping track of these changes can help inform adjustments to your treatment plan.
• Seek Peer and Community Support: Consider joining a support group or online community for individuals with hearing loss. Connecting with others who are going through similar experiences can provide valuable emotional support, practical advice, and encouragement.
• Evaluate Progress: Periodically assess your progress and improvements in hearing health. Reflect on any changes you’ve noticed since beginning treatment and communicate these with your hearing care professional during follow-up appointments.
• Adjust Lifestyle: Make any necessary adjustments to your lifestyle and communication strategies to accommodate changes in your hearing health. This may include using techniques to improve communication in noisy environments or advocating for accommodations in social or work settings.
• Improve Skills: Seek training and information in skills and techniques that can help you day to day in communicating better, including programs like BHA’s Active Communication Education (ACE) Program.
• Seek Independent Advice and Support: Remember, BHA is always here, and you can contact us any time for independent advice, information and assistance via our Hearing Help Desk. Our independent, consulting audiologist will be happy to provide advice and information.

If there are things you think we have missed in this checklist, please let us know. Simply email us via the form on our Contact Page.

*We use the term hearing care professional to encompass either an audiologist or an audiometrist. In Australia, either profession (diploma-level audiometrists) can fit hearing aids but there are differences between their education and skillsets. If you would like to know more read, our article on what the differences are between an audiologist and an audiometrist and when you should see one over another.

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