How to Prepare for Your Audiologist Appointment

Doctor checking woman's ear; audiologist appointment concept

If you're hearing noises no one else can hear, you may have tinnitus. It's time to get checked by an audiologist.

What's an audiologist?

An audiologist is a healthcare professional who specializes in the evaluation and treatment of hearing and balance disorders. They have a minimum of a master's degree in audiology and are trained to diagnose and manage hearing loss, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), and vestibular (balance) disorders.

Audiologists use a variety of tests and measures to evaluate an individual's hearing and balance function, and they may also fit and dispense hearing aids, cochlear implants, and other assistive devices. They often work in a clinical setting, such as a hospital, hearing aid dispensing practice, or speech and hearing clinic, and may also provide hearing conservation services in industry and education.

Prepare for your appointment for best results

Be prepared to answers lots of questions to get the best results from your audiologist appointment.

Some of the signs and symptoms you'll be asked to describe may include:

- What type of noises are you hearing?

- Clicking
- Rushing or humming
- Heartbeat
- Low-pitched ringing
- High-pitched ringing
- Other sounds
- Is it in one ear or both ears?
- Do the sounds come and go or are they continuous?
- How loud are the noises?
- Do you have trouble tolerating other sounds from the world because they appear too loud or painful?
- Are you or have you ever been exposed to continual loud noises?

Your medical history is important too, and may include questions about health conditions such as hearing loss, high blood pressure, heart disease or blood vessel disease.

Other general questions:
- Medication history. Some medications may be a contributing factor to your tinnitus.
- General wellbeing and sleep patterns.
- Social and emotional support.
- Details of other health professionals who are involved in your care.

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