Hearing loss is the third most common chronic physical condition in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Approximately 13% of U.S. adults report having some trouble hearing, and that percentage more than doubles for adults over the age of 65.

Hearing loss often increases with age, especially for adults ages 45 and older, and it’s more common in men than women. It’s also commonly associated with both cognitive and functional decline in older adults.

While it’s not always possible to prevent all types of hearing loss, it’s important to do what you can to protect your overall hearing health. Read on to learn what precautions you can take now to increase your chances of hearing clearly well into the future.

Common Causes of Hearing Loss

While normal changes during the aging process are common causes of hearing loss,  loud noise exposure, genetics, other illness and medications can all exacerbate hearing loss, explains Robin Carson, Au.D., an audiologist for Eosera, an ear care products company.

Types of Hearing Loss

There are two common types of hearing loss: sensorineural hearing loss, which occurs when there’s damage to the cochlea (the innermost part of the ear), and conductive hearing loss, which occurs when there are abnormalities or obstructions in the middle and/or outer ear.

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