Hearing is important to your health, for your relationships, and for your independence every day. People often avoid a hearing screening because they are not sure what it will be like. If you are a senior in Colorado Springs who is planning to have a hearing screening, it is completely normal for that feeling of uncertainty to pop up. At Agewell Medical Associates, PC, we want you to have a simple, comfortable appointment, inside and out. The following are the answers to many of the questions we often get from first-time hearing screening patients, so you can walk into your appointment feeling comfortable, informed, and confident.
Resource: webmd.com
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What Happens During a Hearing Screening?
A hearing screening is a brief, non-invasive evaluation used to identify possible hearing loss. Your hearing health history is discussed, and the clinician may ask about any concerns you have noticed. Then the doctor may examine the ear canals to see if there is a lot of wax or another issue. The appointment then continues with hearing tests such as pure-tone audiometry and speech recognition testing, in which you respond to tones and repeat words. Tests are a big part of our understanding of your hearing in different situations. The whole hearing screening appointment is easy and straightforward, and we will walk you through each step so that you do not get caught off guard or confused.
Resource: nidcd.nih.gov
How Long Does a Hearing Screening Take?
Typically, first-time hearing exams last from 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the need for more tests and questions you would like answered. We do not rush these appointments because each person has unique concerns to be addressed. We understand it is important to be on time and not waste any time. You can have a long, thorough yet enjoyable appointment that you can schedule into your day.
Is a Hearing Screening Painful?
A hearing screening is not painful. You will spend the appointment in a quiet, comfortable space to listen and concentrate during many screenings. You will wear headphones or earphones, listen for sounds or words, and respond when you hear them. We are gentle and easy on the patients, so if you need a moment to rest or repeat an instruction, we are fine with that. Many of our patients are surprised to find the whole appointment is very simple and non-stressful.
What Should I Bring to My Appointment?
Make your first visit easy by bringing your insurance card, ID, and referral forms if your plan requires them. If you take medications, bring a list because many can affect your hearing. Write down situations you are having trouble with hearing, including conversations in crowded areas, telephone calls, or watching television. These examples will help us have a better picture. We encourage you to bring a family member or friend whom you trust along for support during your visit. We know it can be a relief to have someone by your side for comfort and help in sorting it all out.
How Do I Prepare for My First Hearing Screening?
Make your first visit easy by bringing your insurance card, ID, and referral forms if your plan requires them. You can also review the patient forms page before your visit. If you take medications, bring a list because some medications can affect hearing. AgeWell also provides medication management support for older adults who need help reviewing their prescriptions. Write down situations where you are having trouble hearing, including conversations in crowded areas, telephone calls, or watching television. These examples will help us get a better picture. We encourage you to bring a trusted family member or friend for support during your visit. It can be a relief to have someone by your side for comfort and help in sorting it all out.
What Do My Hearing Screening Results Mean?
Your hearing screening results will likely be shown to you on a graph or chart called an audiogram. The audiogram provides insight into how well you can hear sounds of various frequencies at the quietest volume levels you can detect. This gives us a clear idea of whether your hearing is within normal limits or whether you are experiencing some degree of hearing loss at certain frequencies. If your results are normal, this is fantastic and provides a helpful baseline for future visits. On the off chance that your results indicate hearing loss, there is no reason for alarm, because there are many solutions available. However, if your results come back, your provider will go over your results with you in clear, simple terms, so you have the confidence to make informed decisions as you move forward.
What Happens After the Screening?
Following your screening, our team will review your results with you and help you determine the most suitable next steps. This may be as simple as waiting to schedule a follow-up appointment to monitor your hearing over time. Or it may mean scheduling follow-up appointments to further explore your hearing health, or discussing hearing aids and other potential solutions. If a future visit is needed, our team will gladly assist you in scheduling the appointment. Either way, we develop a solution plan based on your individual needs, preferences, and lifestyle. You will never leave our office confused about what to do next.
Where Can I Get a Hearing Screening in Colorado Springs?
Colorado Springs has many audiology and primary care professionals to choose from. When it comes time to select a hearing care provider, consider their experience with older patients, their patient reviews, and their focus on senior care. You should also consider your insurance and what you can afford. Agewell Medical Associates, PC is a primary care and senior health practice in Colorado Springs. It is easy and convenient to start your hearing health journey with us. Just give us a call to schedule your first appointment.
Final Thoughts
An initial hearing screening is a short, simple, comfortable, and important step toward taking control of your hearing health. As we have seen, the entire process is simple, painless, fast, and geared toward your comfort. Knowing what to expect makes it easy to take that first step with confidence. If you are concerned about your hearing health or just want to know what your hearing is like today, contact Agewell Medical Associates, PC to schedule your hearing screening.