What is average hearing loss by age?

Average hearing loss by age varies, but hearing typically begins to decline at a noticeable rate starting around age 60. However, the extent and onset of hearing loss can vary widely among individuals. By the age of 65, one in three people has some degree of hearing loss. As people age, the percentage affected rises, with over half of those older than 75 experiencing significant hearing impairment. The hearing loss progresses gradually, usually starting with difficulty hearing high frequencies and understanding speech in noisy environments. This progression continues, often impacting daily communication and quality of life.