8 Questions to Ask Your Doctor During Your Physical

Turn that routine visit into a truly useful conversation

Annual physicals are one of the simplest — and most powerful — ways to take care of your long‑term health. But let’s be honest: Appointments are short, nerves are real, and it’s easy to forget the very things you meant to ask.

Whether you’re feeling great or managing a few ongoing concerns, these questions will help you get more value from your time with your health care provider.

 

1. “In addition to the flu shot, what vaccines am I due for?”

Vaccinations don’t stop after childhood. In adulthood, boosters and age‑specific vaccines become increasingly important. Depending on your age, health history, travel plans, and lifestyle, your doctor may recommend vaccines such as:

• COVID‑19 boosters
• Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis)
• Shingles (typically recommended starting at age 50)
• Pneumococcal vaccines (often recommended at 65 or earlier for some conditions)
• HPV (now approved for some adults up to age 45)

Ask what you’re due for and when. Many clinics can help schedule future vaccinations and send reminders, making it easier to stay protected without keeping track of everything yourself.

 

2. “Am I at a healthy weight?”

Body Mass Index (BMI) is still commonly used as a screening tool, but most clinicians now recognize that weight alone doesn’t tell the whole story. Muscle mass, waist circumference, blood pressure, cholesterol levels, blood sugar, and overall lifestyle matter just as much.

Research continues to show that many people who meet clinical definitions of overweight or obesity are not consistently counseled about it during medical visits. That’s important, because excess weight can increase the risk of conditions such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, joint problems, hearing loss, and certain cancers.

Rather than focusing solely on a number, ask your doctor:

• How does my weight affect my personal health risks?
• Are there small, realistic changes that could improve my health markers?

The goal isn’t perfection — it’s progress and sustainability.

 

3. “How’s my hearing?”

Hearing health is still one of the most overlooked parts of preventive care.

Noise‑induced hearing loss (NIHL) is the second most common type of hearing loss. It results from long‑term exposure to sounds above 85 decibels — roughly the level of heavy traffic or loud machinery. Today, everyday activities like listening to music through earbuds, attending concerts, working in noisy environments, or using power tools all add up.

What makes hearing loss tricky is that it usually develops slowly. Many people don’t realize their hearing has changed until it’s been declining for years.

But recognizing and treating it early is key: Recent research continues to reinforce that untreated hearing loss is linked to broader health issues, including increased risk of cognitive decline, social isolation, depression, anxiety, and cardiovascular conditions such as hypertension and diabetes.

Even if you don’t notice a problem, ask your doctor whether a baseline hearing screening, or a referral to a hearing professional, makes sense for you.

 

4. “What health issues am I at risk for?”

Risk isn’t one‑size‑fits‑all. It’s shaped by age, sex, genetics, lifestyle, and life events.

Be open with your doctor about things like:

• Sexual activity and STI testing needs
• Tobacco, vaping, or cannabis use
• Alcohol consumption
• Exercise habits
• Sleep quality
• Work‑related stress or noise exposure

These details help your provider recommend the right screenings and preventive steps. For example, men continue to have significantly higher rates of hearing loss than women, while women may face unique cardiovascular risks related to pregnancy history or hormonal changes.

The more honest the conversation, the more tailored — and useful — the guidance.

 

5. “Should I worry about hypertension before I’m 50?”

High blood pressure isn’t just a later‑life issue. Many people develop elevated blood pressure in their 30s and 40s without obvious symptoms.

Certain factors increase risk earlier, including:

• Family history of hypertension
• A history of hypertensive pregnancy disorders (such as preeclampsia)
• Chronic stress
• Poor sleep
• Sedentary lifestyle

What you do in midlife matters. Healthy eating patterns, regular physical activity, weight management, stress reduction, and not smoking all play a role in protecting your arteries long before symptoms appear.

Because hypertension is also associated with untreated hearing loss, this is another reason to look at your health as an interconnected system — not a series of isolated parts.

 

6. “Considering my family history, am I at risk for certain diseases?”

Family history is one of the strongest predictors of future health risks.

Update your doctor each year on any new diagnoses among close relatives, such as:

• Heart disease
• Cancer
• Diabetes
• Autoimmune disorders
• Hearing loss or early cognitive decline

Ask what early warning signs to watch for and whether earlier or more frequent screenings are appropriate. Knowing what runs in your family allows you and your doctor to be proactive rather than reactive.

 

7. Check in with your emotional status

Mental health is health.

Changes in mood, energy, sleep, concentration, or appetite can signal depression, anxiety, or chronic stress — even if life “looks fine” on the outside.

Ongoing stress doesn’t just affect your mind. It can weaken immune response, worsen sleep, and raise blood pressure. People under chronic stress also tend to experience more frequent and severe illnesses.

Checking in on emotional well‑being during your physical helps normalize these conversations and ensures you get support early, whether that’s counseling, lifestyle adjustments, or other resources.

 

8. Whatever else is on your mind

This is your time.

Bring up anything that’s been nagging at you:

• A new ache or pain
• A skin change or mole
• Digestive issues
• Fatigue you can’t explain
• Ringing in your ears
• Changes you’re tempted to brush off

Often the “small” things are the earliest clues your body gives you.

 

A final thought

Your physical isn’t just about checking boxes — it’s about building a partnership with your health care provider and understanding the full picture of your health.

If you have questions about your hearing, contact us directly to schedule an appointment.