How to get the most from your hearing loss or tinnitus appointment (for adults):

Here are some suggestions for making the most of your appointment for hearing loss. 

Below are some questions to obtain useful information.  Providing these questions in advance may help give you time to think about the answers or obtain the information.  It is ok not to have all of the answers. Just do your best.

Which ear(s) are affected? R L both

Which ear has worse hearing? R L neither

Hearing loss:

When did you notice the hearing loss?

Many years ago. A few years ago. A few months ago. Within the past few weeks. Other:__________

What was the onset of the hearing loss?

Gradual and progressive. Sudden, after a specific event: (specify)________ I woke up with it one day. Other:_________

Tinnitus:

Do you have tinnitus (noise, such as humming, buzzing, roaring, etc.) in either ear? R L both neither

Do you hear a pulse (like a heartbeat) in either ear? R L both neither

When did you notice the tinnitus?

Many years ago. A few years ago. A few months ago. Within the past few weeks. Other:__________

What was the onset of the tinnitus?

_____ Gradual and progressive _____ Sudden, after a specific event: (specify) _____ I woke up with it one day.

_____ Other (specify)

Dizziness:

Do you pass out or feel like you are about to pass out?   Y      N

Do you experience a spinning sensation?   Y      N

Is your sense of balance normal between bouts of dizziness?   Y      N

How long do your dizzy spells last?

______ a few seconds ______ between 30 seconds and 2 minutes _____ between 2 minutes and 45 minutes

_____ Between 45 minutes and 12 hours _____ between 12 hours and 3 days _____ Longer than 3 days

What seems to trigger a dizzy spell?

What makes the dizziness better?

_____ staying motionless _____ a quiet environment _____ a dark environment _____ sleep _____ other (specify):

Do other symptoms occur along with the dizziness? _____ hearing loss _____ headache _____ other (specify):

Drainage:

Do you have drainage of fluid from either ear? R L both neither

Pain:

Do you have pain in either ear? R L both neither

Bring with you any potentially relevant healthcare information.  If you have seen anyone else for this or a related condition, the reports and images from prior work may well not be readily available to Dr. Lansford during your visit, unless they are from Christie Clinic, Bromenn, or OSF. Unless they are coming from Christie Clinic, Bromenn, or the OSF system, please hand-carry to your appointment the following items:

• Any prior hearing tests you have had.

• Any prior operative or clinic notes relevant to this condition.  You can get these from the medical records department of the hospital or clinic where you were seen previously.

Bring a list of your current medications (prescription and non-prescription) and their doses.  If it is easier, you could bring in your current medications, and we can get the names and doses from the bottles.

Bring your medical insurance card and be prepared for your copay.

Also, in case you have to wait, it is a good idea to bring with you something to do, such as your phone, iPad, or a book.  Bring a notepad and paper if you might wish to take notes.  Bring a family member or friend if you wish to have another “set of ears."