1. Avoid loud noise for 16 hours before the test

Exposure to loud noise causes a temporary threshold shift — a temporary reduction in hearing sensitivity that can last several hours. If you attend a concert, use power tools, or are exposed to loud noise the day before your test, your thresholds may appear worse than your true baseline hearing.

Avoid loud environments (concerts, sporting events, power tools, loud machinery) for at least 16 hours before your appointment. If you work in a noisy environment, try to schedule your test on a day off or first thing in the morning before noise exposure.

2. Don't clean your ears with cotton swabs

Cotton swabs can push earwax deeper into the ear canal, potentially causing a blockage that affects test results. If you have earwax buildup, see your doctor for professional removal before your hearing test — don't attempt to remove it yourself with cotton swabs.

3. Write down your hearing concerns

Before your appointment, take a few minutes to write down your specific hearing concerns. When do you struggle most? In which environments? Do you have difficulty with specific voices (women's voices, children's voices)? Do you have tinnitus? How long have you noticed changes?

This information helps the audiologist understand your real-world hearing challenges, which may not be fully captured by the test results alone.

4. List your medications

Some medications are ototoxic — they can damage hearing or cause tinnitus. These include certain antibiotics (aminoglycosides), chemotherapy drugs (cisplatin), high-dose aspirin, and some diuretics. Bring a list of your current medications so the audiologist can note any that may be relevant to your hearing.

5. Know your noise exposure history

Your audiologist will ask about your history of noise exposure — occupational (factory work, construction, military service, music) and recreational (concerts, hunting, motorcycles, power tools). Think through your history before the appointment so you can give an accurate account.

6. Bring a family member or close friend

A family member or close friend who has observed your hearing difficulties can provide valuable perspective that you may not be aware of. They can describe situations where they've noticed your hearing struggles, which helps the audiologist understand the real-world impact of your hearing loss.

Having a support person also helps with processing information during the appointment — hearing test results and hearing aid recommendations involve a lot of information to absorb.

7. Prepare questions for the audiologist

Write down questions you want to ask before the appointment. Common questions include:

• What degree of hearing loss do I have?
• Is my hearing loss likely to progress?
• What type of hearing aids would be appropriate for my loss?
• What is the difference between OTC and prescription hearing aids for my situation?
• What does my insurance cover?
• What is the trial period for hearing aids?

8. Bring your insurance information

Bring your insurance card and know your plan's hearing benefit details. Some audiologists will verify your benefits before the appointment, but having the information on hand speeds the process.

9. Arrive early and well-rested

Pure-tone audiometry requires sustained concentration — you need to detect very faint sounds over 20–30 minutes. Being well-rested improves your concentration and produces more accurate results. Arriving early reduces stress and gives you time to complete any intake paperwork.

10. Ask for a copy of your audiogram

At the end of your appointment, ask for a printed or digital copy of your audiogram. You're entitled to your test results, and having a copy is useful for comparison at future appointments, for seeking a second opinion, or for sharing with an OTC hearing aid provider if you choose that route.