You are not alone. According to the Hearing Loss Association of America, approximately 48 million Americans (20 percent) report some degree of hearing loss. To determine if you would benefit from a hearing aid, there are multiple tests to diagnose hearing loss. Your doctor will check your ears during physical exams and general screening tests. You also have the option of going to an audiologist for more thorough audiometer tests.

If you have hearing problems, help is available. Treatment depends on the cause and severity of your hearing loss.