Hearing Loss Overview

Understanding the Scope, Signs, Causes, and Prevention

The Growing Impact of Hearing Loss in America

Hearing loss is the third most common physical condition in the United States — following heart disease and diabetes.

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of the U.S. population — that’s 48 million Americans — experience some form of hearing loss.

Among adults over 65, 1 in 3 has hearing loss.

Among those over 75, the rate increases to 50%.

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of people in the workforce experience some degree of hearing loss, according to OSHA.

Similarly, 60% of veterans returning from combat zones report hearing loss and tinnitus (ringing in the ears).

In recent years, hearing loss has also become more common among younger populations, largely due to the use of earbuds and personal electronic devices. While often associated with aging, hearing loss can be the result of prolonged noise exposure at any age.

Signs of Hearing Loss

Because hearing loss is invisible, it often goes unnoticed at first.

You might have hearing loss if you:

Regularly increase the volume on your TV, phone, or speakers

Frequently ask others to repeat themselves

Feel like everyone is mumbling

Start avoiding social situations

Experience stress, frustration, or irritation during conversations

Struggle to hear clearly in noisy environments

If you notice any of these signs, it might be time to schedule a professional hearing evaluation.

Causes of Hearing Loss

Hearing loss typically falls into three main categories, each with different causes:

1. Conductive Hearing Loss

This type of hearing loss affects the outer or middle ear. It occurs when something prevents sound waves from traveling through the ear canal to the eardrum or the small bones of the middle ear. Common causes of conductive hearing loss include earwax buildup in the ear canal, structural issues with the small bones in the middle ear, a ruptured or injured eardrum, congenital abnormalities, or inflammation due to infections.

2. Sensorineural Hearing Loss

Sensorineural hearing loss affects the inner ear or the auditory nerve. Inside the inner ear are tiny hair cells that convert sound vibrations into neural signals that the brain can interpret. When these hair cells are damaged, the ability to hear clearly diminishes. This form of hearing loss can result from natural aging (presbycusis), prolonged exposure to loud noise, head or ear trauma, or the use of certain ototoxic medications that harm inner ear function. Unfortunately, once these hair cells are damaged, they do not regenerate, making this type of hearing loss permanent.

3. Mixed Hearing Loss

Mixed hearing loss is a combination of both conductive and sensorineural hearing loss. It arises when multiple factors affect different parts of the ear simultaneously, such as damage to the inner ear in addition to blockages or structural issues in the outer or middle ear.

How to Protect Yourself from Hearing Loss

While some hearing loss (like age-related or hereditary types) can’t be prevented, many forms — especially noise-induced hearing loss — can be

Here’s how you can protect your hearing:

Wear custom ear protection if you work in loud environments (construction, manufacturing, dentistry, etc.)

Turn the volume down to 60% or lower on music, videos, and other media

Replace earbuds with noise-canceling over-the-ear headphones

Use earplugs or protective gear when attending concerts or sporting events

Taking simple steps to reduce exposure to loud sounds can significantly reduce your risk of long-term hearing loss.

Have Questions About Hearing Loss?

Let our experienced team help you take the next step. Whether you're noticing changes in your hearing or want to protect it for the future, we’re here to support you.

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