An estimated 38 million people in the United States have some degree of hearing loss. Hearing loss can have a negative effect on communication, relationships, school or work performance, and emotional well-being. However, hearing loss doesn't have to restrict your daily activities.

Properly fitted hearing aids and aural rehabilitation can help in many listening situations. Aural rehabilitation is the use of techniques to identify and diagnose hearing loss and implement therapies for patients who are hard of hearing, which often involves the use of hearing aids. Most people who are hearing-impaired will need two hearing aids because both ears are often affected by hearing loss, though some people may only need one hearing aid.

Some hearing aids require fitting by a licensed hearing healthcare professional (such as an audiologist or a hearing aid dispenser), so that the amplification matches your hearing loss. If not fitted properly, too much amplification may cause additional hearing loss.