How Telehealth Hearing Appointments Work

Telehealth has become a familiar part of health care in Australia, and hearing services are no exception. If you have wondered whether some hearing appointments can be handled remotely, some hearing-related conversations may be possible remotely, depending on the service and the clinic. It is worth understanding how telehealth hearing appointments generally work. All Ears in Hearing offers telehealth appointments where they suit your needs. Contact the clinic to find out whether one is right for you.

This article gives a general overview of telehealth appointments for hearing services. It is general information only. Your audiologist can advise whether a telehealth appointment is suitable for your particular needs. Our team looks after people across Brisbane and Logan.

What a telehealth appointment is

A telehealth appointment is one where you connect with a health professional remotely. This is usually by video call or phone, rather than attending in person. For hearing services, this can allow certain conversations and follow-ups to happen from home.

The idea is to offer a convenient way to stay in touch with your audiologist for suitable appointments. It is not intended to replace every in-person visit. Rather, it complements them where it makes sense. It is an addition rather than an alternative to visiting the clinic.

Telehealth also became far more familiar to many Australians in recent years. The idea of a video appointment is no longer as unusual as it once seemed. For a lot of people it is now simply another normal way of connecting with a health professional.

Situations where telehealth can help

Telehealth can be convenient for a range of situations. These include certain follow-up conversations, general advice or discussing how you are getting on with your devices. These are appointments where being in the same room is not always essential. Some conversations suit a video call.

For people who live a distance from a clinic, have busy schedules or find travel difficult, this convenience can be very welcome. Whether a particular appointment suits telehealth depends on its purpose. Your audiologist can help you judge this.

When an in-person visit is needed

Some parts of hearing care are usually carried out face to face. This is particularly true for those that involve hands-on steps or specialised equipment. In these cases, an in-person appointment remains the appropriate choice.

Telehealth is not a substitute for everything, and your audiologist will let you know when a visit to the clinic is needed. Thinking of telehealth as one tool among several helps set realistic expectations about what it can offer.

What you might need for a telehealth appointment

For a telehealth appointment, you generally need a phone, tablet or computer. For video calls, you also need a reasonable internet connection. A quiet space where you can talk without interruption also helps the appointment go smoothly.

If you are not especially confident with technology, there is no need to worry. The clinic can explain what you need. A family member or friend can lend a hand if you would like some support.

Preparing for a telehealth appointment

A little preparation can make a telehealth appointment more useful. It helps to have any questions written down. Know where your devices and accessories are if they might be discussed. Be settled somewhere quiet before you start.

Testing your device and connection ahead of time can also save any last-minute fuss. Being prepared means you can focus on the conversation rather than fiddling with technology. If you are worried about the technical side, ask the clinic whether a practice run is possible.

Having a support person present

Just as with in-person visits, you are welcome to have a family member or friend with you during a telehealth appointment. A support person can help with the technology, take note of any information and offer reassurance.

Some people like to have someone familiar alongside them. If you would like to include a support person, it can help to let the clinic know when you book.

Making the most of telehealth

To get the most from a telehealth appointment, it helps to treat it much like an in-person visit. Speaking openly about how you are getting on, asking your questions and taking notes all contribute to a useful conversation.

If anything is unclear during the call, it is perfectly fine to ask the audiologist to repeat or explain. The aim is for you to come away feeling informed and supported, just as you would from a visit to the clinic. You do not need to rush or pretend to understand something.

Talking to an audiologist about your options

If you think telehealth might suit some of your appointments, a good step is to ask a hearing care professional. They can explain when telehealth is appropriate and when an in-person visit would serve you better.

Because everyone's needs and circumstances are different, individual advice is always more helpful than general information alone. An audiologist can help you find the mix of in-person and remote appointments that works for you. For some people, a blend of the two may be practical.

If you would like to learn more, or to arrange a hearing appointment, you are welcome to get in touch with our friendly team. No referral is necessary, and we are happy to answer any questions you may have.

DISCLAIMER:

The information on this website is provided for educational purposes only. We do not support, nor recommend any products or treatments without proper hearing diagnostic and proper hearing evaluation. All users must seek professional advice before beginning treatment as well as inform themselves of known side effects/risks associated with said procedure(s).

Disclaimer: The information in this article is general in nature and provided for educational purposes only. It does not take into account your individual circumstances and is not a substitute for professional advice. Please consult a qualified hearing health professional about your specific needs.

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