Consumer Information 

Hearing loss is the third most common health problem in the United States. According to the National Institutes on Deaf and Communications Disorders (NIDCD), more than 36 million Americans have some type of hearing problem. Although hearing problems are commonly associated with the normal aging process, more than half of all hearing impaired persons are under the age of 65. Hearing difficulties are often unrecognized by the person involved, and as a result, most people wait 7 to 10 years before seeking help.

The good news is that there is help for persons with hearing loss — but the first step is to visit an audiologist who can evaluate your hearing and determine the type and degree of your hearing loss.

Below, you'll find educational fact sheets about audiologists, hearing and hearing loss, and the tools to "Find an Audiologist."
What Is an Audiologist? (PDF)
Hearing Loss (PDF)
Hearing Loss and Infant Hearing Screening (PDF)
Hearing Loss in Children (PDF)
Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (PDF)
Questions on Hearing Acuity (PDF)
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The "D" Word: An Interview with Marlee Matlin (PDF)
Special Note About Noise-Induced Hearing Loss from the Academy
Recognizing that the risk of permanent hearing loss from noise exposure is very real for individuals of all ages, the American Academy of Audiology has undertaken a campaign to raise public awareness, Turn It to the Left®, about the dangers of exposure to high-level sound and to raise funds in support of noise-induced hearing loss research.

These activities have been fueled by Turn It to the Left, an educational rap song on noise-induced hearing loss written by the Academy’s good friend, musician Benjamin Jackson. The rap's "hook" urges all to take the volume control and "turn it to the left."

Visit www.TurnItToTheLeft.com and find out more about noise-induced hearing loss, educational resources for parents, teachers, and kids, and listen to rap.