Nearly 30 million Americans have some form of hearing loss, including one of every three people ages 65 to 75. Yet just a fraction of us seek help. Here's why.

As you age, some hearing loss is normal. You lose more than the ability to hear how loud a sound is. You also lose the ability to hear certain types of sounds. For example, you might not be able to hear some of the high-pitched sounds of a child's voice.

Most people over age 65 have some hearing loss, and by age 80, almost everyone does. Because hearing loss usually occurs slowly over the years, you may not realize your hearing ability has gotten worse.

During the process of choosing a hearing aid, your hearing will be carefully tested by an audiologist. The test results, called an audiogram, will show whether your ears are healthy, what type of hearing loss you have, and exactly what you can and cannot hear.

If your doctor recommends a hearing aid, these suggestions can help you determine which kind will suit you best.

Many people have found that a properly selected and fitted hearing aid helps them hear much better. Hearing professionals caution that although a hearing aid can help you overcome your hearing loss, it does not provide the normal hearing you may remember.

Your audiologist or hearing aid specialist will work with you to make the best all-around choice. This choice should reflect your needs, preferences, and budget.

A hearing aid is an aid to better hearing, not a cure for hearing loss. People often have unrealistic hopes about their hearing aid and are disappointed when it fails to provide perfect hearing. Getting the most out of your new hearing aid means acquiring new skills.