The Often-Overlooked Step Before Your Next Medical Appointment 

When most people prepare for an important medical appointment, they think about symptoms, questions, or test results.  

But there is one factor that influences everything your doctor tells you: Your ability to hear clearly. 

As a clinical audiologist, I see this challenge from both perspectives. Hearing is the primary way patients receive information about their health, but without it, the entire appointment becomes harder, more stressful, and sometimes unsafe. 

Yet many people continue attending medical appointments with untreated hearing challenges without realising how much it affects their understanding of other aspects of their healthcare. 

Why Hearing Challenges Create Confusion in Healthcare Settings 

Many first-time patients admit they have ignored their hearing difficulties because they were dealing with other health issues. They feel prepared for their appointments but walk out unsure whether they understood everything correctly. 

Medical consultations are fast paced: Doctors move between digital records, charts, and complex explanations, clinics are often noisy, and many physicians receive little training on how to communicate with patients who have hearing loss. 

This can lead to: 

• Missed or misunderstood instructions 

• Medication errors 

• Anxiety about what was said 

• Difficulty asking follow-up questions 

• Avoidance of future appointments 

A Real Patient Experience That Illustrates the Problem 

Elsie realised that she needed assistance with her hearing during an appointment with her gastroenterologist, and after putting off a hearing assessment due to other health challenges, she finally took that first step toward stronger hearing. 

“I didn't notice that my hearing was not as good as I thought. 

“However, when I was out and about, I was forever asking folk to repeat what they had said or I was frustrated if I couldn't read their lips. I then realised I should get an ear hearing test but because of a few health issues, I kept putting it off and just not getting around to it. 

“I knew I should go, but I felt concerned and almost scared I wouldn't make the right choice of audiologist. Where and who? Did I want these hearing gadgets in my ears...oh, I was alright…no, I wasn't!!! 

“Then one day I was consulting with my wonderful and observant Gastroenterologist who quickly noticed I was asking for repeats of his words. 

“I made an appointment for an ear hearing test. I cannot speak highly enough of Dr Dunay and her receptionist Trish. It was the most wonderful experience. I felt at ease and nothing was a bother. 

“I left her rooms in Cotton Tree with my hearing aids in my ears, got in my car and heard my indicators ticking for the first time ever. Very exciting! To hear properly is so special. 

“I would recommend Dr Dunay to anyone who needs help with their ears. She will put you at ease and make sure you are perfectly happy. 

“It has been 12 months now and I don't even know I have aids in my ears.... absolutely wonderful. See Dr Dunay today!” 

What Research Shows About Hearing and Medical Communication 

Scientific research supports what many patients already experience. 

Johns Hopkins Medicine notes that untreated hearing loss increases listening effort, reduces understanding, and affects a person’s ability to follow important conversations, including those related to healthcare. These communication issues become even more challenging in noisy environments like clinics.  

The National Institutes of Health also reports that adults with hearing challenges have significant difficulty understanding speech in noisy or complex settings. Clinics, hospitals, and waiting rooms often include competing sounds, which increases the effort needed to follow medical discussions.  

Why Seeing Your Audiologist First Makes Everything Easier 

A hearing check before your medical appointment helps you: 

• Understand your doctor more clearly 

• Ask confident, informed questions 

• Follow treatment instructions accurately 

• Reduce stress during the visit 

• Stay in control of your health decisions 

Your doctor also benefits, because clear hearing allows both of you to communicate more effectively and avoid misunderstandings. 

By booking in a hearing assessment before your next crucial healthcare appointment, both you and your doctor have the ease of mind that you’ll get the attention and assistance you need without miscommunication or confusion. 

Your Next Step 

If you have an important medical appointment coming up, addressing your hearing first is one of the most valuable preparations you can make. 

Schedule a hearing assessment today and into your next appointment ready to listen. Rest assured that our expert team is here to assist you with all matters of hearing health, so you can address your holistic health needs with confidence and clarity! 

Frequently Asked Questions 

1. Does hearing loss really affect how well I understand my doctor? 

Yes. Research shows that untreated hearing loss reduces comprehension, especially in fast-paced or noisy environments. 

2. What if I only struggle with hearing in background noise? 

This is often an early sign of hearing difficulty. Medical environments are full of background noise, which can affect clarity during your appointment. 

3. Will hearing aids help me hear my doctor more clearly? 

For many people, yes. Modern devices improve speech clarity, reduce listening effort, and make it easier to follow important discussions. 

4. Should I get my hearing checked before every specialist appointment? 

It is recommended before any appointment that involves detailed instructions or complex information, such as cardiology, oncology, medication reviews, or surgery. 

5. How often should adults have their hearing checked? 

Most adults benefit from annual hearing assessments. Those with chronic health conditions may benefit from more frequent checks.