Hearing Loss: What You Need to Know
Adapted from the National Council on Aging article "How to Prevent Hearing Loss"
If your hearing isn't what it used to be, you're not alone. Hearing loss is one of the most common things that happens as we age — about 1 in 3 adults between 65 and 74 has some degree of it, and nearly half of adults 75 and older do too.
The good news: there's a lot you can do about it.
Why It's Worth Paying Attention To
Untreated hearing loss isn't just about missing parts of conversations. Over time, it can contribute to balance problems, depression, and even dementia. Getting help sooner rather than later makes a real difference.
How Did This Happen?
There are three main reasons people lose hearing:
Age. The most common cause. Hearing tends to fade gradually over the years — this is completely normal and has nothing to do with anything you did wrong.
Noise. Years of loud sounds — power tools, concerts, heavy machinery — can damage the tiny hair cells inside your ear that pick up sound. That damage is permanent, which is why protection matters.
Blockage or injury. Sometimes hearing loss is caused by something as simple as a buildup of earwax. This kind is often treatable.
What Can You Do Right Now?
1. See a doctor if you've noticed any hearing loss. Don't wait. The sooner you get evaluated, the more options you'll have. Your regular doctor can refer you to an audiologist (a hearing specialist) or an ENT (ear, nose, and throat doctor).
2. Get your hearing tested once a year — even if everything seems fine. It's like a regular eye exam, just for your ears.
3. Protect the hearing you have. Loud sound is defined as anything above 85 decibels — that includes sirens, fireworks, and music turned all the way up. Earplugs or noise-canceling headphones can help when you're in those situations.
4. Skip the Q-tips. Most audiologists recommend against using them — they can push wax deeper into the ear canal and cause damage. If earwax is an issue, ask your doctor about safe removal.
5. Stay current on vaccines. Some viruses, including the one that causes shingles, can trigger hearing loss.
If You Already Wear Hearing Aids
Wearing them consistently is the single most important thing you can do. Think of it like physical therapy — the more regularly you use them, the better your brain gets at processing sound.
If your hearing aids are new, the first few days can feel strange. Your own voice may sound different. Background noise might feel overwhelming. That's normal. Audiologists recommend wearing them 8 to 10 hours a day during the adjustment period. Within a few days, things typically start to feel much more natural.
Hearing aids don't restore your hearing to what it once was, but they do help your brain stay sharp at processing sound — something that matters a lot for your long-term health.
Can Hearing Loss Be Reversed?
Sometimes, depending on the cause. If an infection or blockage is involved, treatment can help. For most age-related or noise-related hearing loss, hearing aids are the most effective tool available — and there are now more affordable options than ever, including over-the-counter models approved by the FDA.
When to Call Your Doctor Right Away
If your hearing loss comes on suddenly — in an instant or over just a few days — contact your doctor immediately. This type of hearing loss can sometimes be treated, but time matters. The sooner you act, the better.
Sources: World Health Organization, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, American Academy of Audiology, Keck School of Medicine of USC, The Lancet
