Is it Okay to See a Hearing Specialist During COVID-19?
One of the realities surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic is that many people are putting off non-emergency healthcare needs for various reasons. This included individuals with issues regarding their hearing health. While there is the tendency to view hearing loss as something that one can put off, research shows that living with this condition for an extended period can cause depression, a sense of isolation, and even cognitive decline. Now that people are starting to get some semblance of normal back to their lives, some may wonder if now is the right time to address their hearing concerns with a hearing health specialist. Below are some factors to consider when making your appointment.
How to Tell if Your Hearing Care Provider is Taking Steps to Protect You
When you decide to make an appointment with your hearing specialist, you deserve to know that they are taking the proper precautions to protect your health. There is a wealth of knowledge available from the CDC regarding how to protect patients' health and well-being.
Some of the ways you can tell that your hearing care specialist has your health as a top priority include:
- Your provider's statement on the precautions they have taken can be seen, or heard, on several different platforms.
- Masks may be required for in-person visits.
- The checkout process may be handled over the phone or on the internet.
What Are Some Things You Can Do to Protect Your Health
While your hearing care provider has a responsibility to take the precautions necessary to protect all patients, you can do things to make sure that you are smart about your safety. First, if you are feeling ill at all, you should stay home and reschedule your appointment. Even if you are feeling fine, but experiencing some COVID-19 symptoms, you should not be going out. The chances are that there will probably be several hand sanitizing stations at the office of your hearing health specialist. However, you should still bring your own and use it after you touch frequently touched surfaces.
Suppose your hearing care specialist is offering telehealth appointments. In that case, it may be a good idea to take advantage of that offering. There may be a need for a little patience as some offices are still getting used to using technology in this way. Still, it is a great way to reduce your exposure to people and get the medical care you need.
Adjusting to the New Normal
There are a lot of unknowns when it comes to the COVID-19 pandemic. At this point, there is no telling how long some of these precautions may be necessary. It is crucial not to ignore any issues you have with your hearing. You can do what you can to protect yourself and get your healthcare needs met.
Those looking for a hearing care specialist should contact Beltone Skoric Hearing Aid Center by calling us to set up an appointment today.
