For many people, hearing loss is a natural part of the aging process, and the onset is so gradual they aren't aware that their hearing is deteriorating. Hearing loss can also be caused by ear infections, genetic medical conditions, illness, traumatic injury or prolonged exposure to noise.
It can happen to anyone.

Hearing Loss is one of the world's most common health problem. It is also one of the most ignored problems, and this is unfortunate because hearing loss and its many psychological side effects are treatable.
Approximately 1 in 10 people experiences some degree of hearing loss. Happily, about 90% of these people can be helped with the use of hearing aids, which are growing more sophisticated all the time. The most important support a person can provide to someone living with an untreated hearing loss is to offer positive encouragement to speak to a hearing healthcare professional about getting help. Offering to accompany your family member or friend to the hearing evaluation is also appreciated by many people.