By Dr. Brian McDonough, Medical Editor

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Hearing loss affects more than a quarter of adults over the age of 50. The number grows to more than fifty percent in people over 80 years of age.

There is a simple screening procedure that can be used in your family doctor’s office called audiometry. One test called ‘pure tone’ audiometry can measure levels of hearing loss that determine if a person needs to go on for further testing.

In case you are wondering, most of us refer to audiologists or otolaryngologists to get that additional support. There are certain people at greater risk than others for hearing loss. Those who have the greatest risk are people who are exposed to loud noises at work or play but don’t have adequate hearing protection. Hearing loss on one side is common in hunters and military veterans.

The major point is that testing is definitely easy to do and can be quite helpful.