Hearing loss affects millions of Americans, and it can be caused by a number of conditions such as age (presbycusis), exposure to loud noises, hereditary factors or congenital issues present at birth.

Warning signs of hearing loss in adults

• Prefer the television or radio louder than others in the room
• Ask others to repeat themselves
• Have difficulty hearing in large groups or noisy situations
• Feel as though people are mumbling and not speaking clearly
• Feel like one ear is better or poorer than the other
• Experiencing ringing or buzzing sounds in one or both ears (tinnitus)

Risk factors for hearing loss in children

• Not meeting auditory development milestones
• Frequent ear infections
• Family history of childhood hearing loss
• Genetic syndromes
• Complex medical history as an infant