Most individuals with hearing loss wait an average of seven years before finally seeking treatment. This means their first visit to the audiologist may take place after years of struggling to hear and living with social withdrawal. Making an appointment is the first step toward better hearing, and knowing what to expect from that first visit can help ease some anxiety.
It Is Normal to Be Unsure 
Feeling nervous is normal. You are embarking on a new stage of life, and that comes with a lot of unknowns. During this process, your audiologist and the staff at Torrance Audiology will be with your every step of the way. We strive to create a welcoming office where all of our patients feel comfortable and are free to ask questions.
Be Punctual
There will be paperwork to fill out before your first visit. In order to make sure you have enough time to complete the forms thoughtfully, arriving fifteen minutes early is recommended. Since these forms can influence your treatment plan, it is always better not to rush.
If you are running late, make sure to call our office to let us know.
Bring Your Medication List
There are more than 200 drugs that can impact your hearing health; these are known as ototoxic medications. Having a complete medication list allows your audiologist to rule this out as a potential cause of your hearing loss.
Invite a Friend or Family Member
You will be presented with a lot of new information at this first appointment, and it can easily be overwhelming. Bringing someone with you to this visit provides you with some welcomed support as well as an additional set of ears. They can help remind you of a question you wanted to ask or remember specific information the doctor told you the next day.
Expect Some Testing
The only way to tell if you have hearing loss is through a series of tests. Your exam may include:
- Pure tone testing
- Bone conduction testing
- Speech testing
- Tympanometry
- Acoustic reflex testing
- Auditory brainstem response
- Otoacoustic emissions
Be Ready for an Official Diagnosis
Once you complete your hearing test, your audiologist will provide you with information about your exact type and degree of hearing loss. This information will be used to craft an individualized treatment plan.
While you may have suspected you had hearing loss, it is may hard when presented with a real diagnosis. Preparing for this information in advance may be helpful.
To learn more about hearing loss or to schedule your first visit with our audiologist, contact Torrance Audiology today.