How to Prepare for Your Hearing Test in Bristol
Preparation is key! By doing a few things before your Bristol hearing test you will ensure that your audiologist gets the most accurate reading of your current hearing loss.
Clean Your Ears Gently Beforehand
We ask you to clean your ears gently with a few drops of olive oil or with over the counter ear softeners a few days before your appointment. This is because if you know that you have wax in your ears then it’s best to clear it before your appointment as wax in your ears can affect the results of your hearing test. Also, please do not use cotton buds as this can push the wax further into your ear instead of removing it.
Avoid Loud Noise for 48 Hours Before
Loud noise exposure temporarily alters the hearing threshold, therefore it is necessary for the ear to return to its ‘resting’ threshold before a hearing test can be accurately completed. This means avoiding loud noise, such as loud music in crowded venues, noisy machinery etc for 48 hours before your appointment.
Write Down Your Hearing History
Make a list of when you first started to notice any problems with your hearing and describe the situations when you find your hearing is most difficult. For example, you may have difficulty understanding people in noisy situations or you may have difficulty when on the phone. Also, make a note of whether there is any history of hearing loss in your family.
List Your Current Medications
Some medications can affect your hearing or increase your risk of side effects such as tinnitus or balance problems. Please bring a list of current prescribed and over-the-counter medications to your hearing test. For a full list of medications that can affect your hearing please see the NHS website.
Arrive Quietly and a Few Minutes Early
Do arrive quietly at the Bristol hearing test centre and allow a few minutes to settle into the quiet before the test.
Book with a Local Audiologist
By booking your local Bristol clinic means you can have a face to face discussion with your audiologist over your results rather than over the phone. A useful reference for Hearing Test Bristol is www.imperialhearing.com/audiologist-near-me/bristol.
By doing a few things before your Bristol hearing test, you can help your Bristol audiologist get a true picture of how you really hear.
