Hearing Loss as We Age: What’s Normal, What’s Not, and What You Can Do

Have you ever noticed that the television volume seems to creep higher over the years? Or that conversations in busy restaurants feel harder to follow than they used to? If so, you’re in very good company. Hearing changes are a common part of aging — but they don’t have to quietly steal your connection to the people and activities you love.

Understanding what’s normal, what’s preventable, and what to do if you notice changes can help you stay engaged, confident, and connected for years to come.

When does hearing loss usually begin?

Age-related hearing loss — known medically as presbycusis — is the gradual decline in hearing that happens over time. It typically affects both ears and often starts with difficulty hearing higher-pitched sounds. That’s why voices may sometimes seem muffled or unclear, especially in noisy environments.

Many people experience subtle hearing changes in their 50s and 60s. By age 65, hearing loss becomes more common. About one in three adults between 65 and 74 has measurable hearing loss, and nearly half of adults over 75 report hearing difficulty. Because the change happens slowly, it’s easy not to notice it at first.

Inside your inner ear are tiny hair cells that carry sound signals to your brain. Over the years, these cells naturally wear down. Genetics, long-term noise exposure, certain medications, smoking, and health conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure can influence how quickly this happens. Aging plays a role — but lifestyle matters too.

Can you protect your hearing?

While no one can turn back the clock, there are meaningful steps you can take to protect your hearing and slow avoidable damage.

Start with sound awareness. Loud noise — from concerts, power tools, lawn equipment, or even headphones — can strain the delicate structures in the inner ear. Wearing ear protection when needed and keeping personal listening volumes moderate can make a real difference over time.

Your overall health matters as well. The inner ear relies on healthy blood flow, so caring for your heart health supports your hearing too. Staying active, managing blood pressure and blood sugar, and avoiding smoking all contribute to healthier aging — including hearing.

Finally, consider hearing checkups part of your routine wellness care. Just as you schedule eye exams, regular hearing screenings after age 50 help catch changes early, before they become frustrating.

Small habits, practiced consistently, truly add up.

Gentle signs your hearing may be changing

Because hearing loss develops gradually, it often sneaks up quietly. You might notice:

• Asking people to repeat themselves more often

• Trouble following conversations in groups

• Feeling like others are mumbling

• Turning up the TV louder than others prefer

• Ringing or buzzing in the ears

If any of these sounds familiar, don’t worry — noticing them is the first positive step toward addressing them.

What to do if you notice changes

Begin with a simple hearing evaluation. An audiologist can perform a painless hearing test to understand exactly what’s happening and guide next steps.

If hearing loss is present, there are more supportive tools than ever before. Modern hearing aids are discreet, customizable, and highly effective. Many people are pleasantly surprised by how much easier everyday conversations feel once they’re fitted properly. Assistive listening devices for phones and televisions can help too.

Communication strategies make a difference as well — facing the person speaking, reducing background noise, and letting loved ones know how they can support you. Most people are happy to help once they understand what you need.

One important note: untreated hearing loss isn’t just about sound. Research shows it can contribute to social withdrawal, stress, and even increased risk of cognitive decline. Taking action early supports not only hearing, but overall well-being.

A hopeful takeaway

Hearing changes with age are common — but losing connection doesn’t have to be. With awareness, preventive habits, timely testing, and supportive technology, you can continue enjoying conversations, laughter, music, and the everyday sounds that make life rich.

Your hearing health is part of your whole health. And it’s never too late to care for it.

References:

National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD).Age-Related Hearing Loss (Presbycusis).https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/age-related-hearing-loss

MedlinePlus.Age-Related Hearing Loss.https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001045.htm

Cleveland Clinic.Presbycusis (Age-Related Hearing Loss).https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/5840-age-related-hearing-loss

Johns Hopkins Medicine.Presbycusis.https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/presbycusis

National Council on Aging (NCOA).How to Prevent Hearing Loss.https://www.ncoa.org/article/how-to-prevent-hearing-loss

NIH National Library of Medicine – PMC.Hearing Loss, Social Isolation, and Cognitive Decline in Older Adults.https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12123699/