Hearing Loss: Causes, Signs, and What You Can Do

When your ears stop picking up sounds like they used to, it’s not just a minor annoyance—it’s hearing loss, a gradual or sudden decline in the ability to hear sounds clearly, often affecting communication and quality of life. Also known as auditory impairment, it can happen at any age and is more common than most people realize. About 1 in 3 adults over 65 has some degree of hearing loss, but it’s not just an aging issue. Loud music, workplace noise, even certain medications can damage your hearing long before you notice.

Tinnitus, a ringing, buzzing, or hissing sound in the ears with no external source often comes hand-in-hand with hearing loss. It’s not a disease itself, but a symptom—usually from damaged hair cells in the inner ear. And while hearing aids, devices that amplify sound to help people with hearing loss communicate more easily are the most common solution, they’re not the only one. Some people benefit from cochlear implants, lifestyle changes, or even just learning how to reduce background noise at home.

Many don’t realize that noise-induced hearing loss, hearing damage caused by exposure to loud sounds over time is completely preventable. That concert, power tool, or headphones turned up too high? Each exposure adds up. And it’s not just about volume—it’s duration. Even 85 decibels for 8 hours a day can cause permanent damage. That’s about the noise level of heavy city traffic.

Ear health isn’t just about cleaning wax or avoiding water. It’s about recognizing the quiet signs: asking people to repeat themselves, turning up the TV too loud, struggling in group conversations, or feeling like people are mumbling. These aren’t normal parts of aging—they’re red flags. And if you’re taking medications like certain antibiotics, chemotherapy drugs, or high-dose aspirin, you might be at higher risk. Talk to your doctor before assuming it’s just getting older.

What you’ll find in the posts below isn’t a list of miracle cures. It’s real, practical info from people who’ve been there—how to recognize early warning signs, what to ask your audiologist, why some hearing aids work better than others, and how to protect your ears before it’s too late. No fluff. No hype. Just what matters when your hearing is on the line.