Tips For Managing Your Healthcare When You're Hard Of Hearing
Managing your healthcare can be tricky enough for someone who can hear well, but if you're hard of hearing, you might have found that managing your healthcare-related needs is difficult. These tips can help, though.
Use a Telephone Relay Service or Amplified Telephone
If you don't already use a telephone relay service to help with phone calls, this is something to consider. It can take some adjusting to get used to using a telephone relay service, but it can be very handy for handling healthcare-related phone calls and other important phone calls. If you are still able to hear a little bit but have trouble hearing when on the phone, you could also try an amplified telephone.
Work with an Agent
If you're signing up for a Medicare policy, doing so on your own can be tricky. Some people find Medicare to be confusing, and you might have trouble calling for help if you need it. A Medicare agent can help you with choosing the right Medicare plan and can help advocate for you when necessary.
Bring Someone Along to Your Doctor's Appointments
If possible, it's not a bad idea to bring someone along to your doctor's appointments. If you bring someone who is not hard of hearing, that person can help with hearing everything that is being said by your doctor or other healthcare professionals and can otherwise help with your appointment.
Have Someone Else Help with Important Phone Calls
In addition to bringing someone along with you to your doctor's appointments, you might also want to have someone help you with managing your important healthcare-related phone calls. If someone from your doctor's office is going to be calling to let you know about test results or to schedule an appointment for you, for example, you might have a hard time communicating. Consider having someone else help with this. However, be aware that you might need to notify your doctor's office in writing beforehand so that they will share your healthcare information with the person who you have chosen.
Ask to Get Things in Writing
When possible, ask to have communication from your insurance company or your healthcare providers be done primarily in writing. Then, you will be able to read everything without worrying about not being able to hear.
Dealing with your healthcare needs can be a challenge if you have trouble hearing or if you're deaf, but taking certain steps will make it a lot easier.