"Unfortunately, more than 18% of all "baby-boomers", ages 45-64 have some hearing loss," reports Loleata Wigall, from Atlantic Audiology, Inc. "Hearing loss can be a mild loss that begins to affect the clarity or discrimination of speech."
Many "baby boomers" are noticing that it is more difficult to understand speech in a noisy environment. Many notice having difficulty not hearing, but understanding their spouse, especially if the television is on.
It is not necessarily a matter of hearing,but of understanding what is being said. Audiologists recommend a complete hearing evaluation around age 50.This evaluation provides a baseline hearing test for the individual. If a problem is noted, steps can be taken to either monitor the loss, or prevent further loss with the use of hearing protection.
Hearing loss can affect children as well.If a child has an ear infection, their hearing is most likely affected. Usually, with an ear infection the hearing loss is temporary and is treated medically. The hearing loss that accompanies an ear infection affects the child being able to hear conversational speech, but they can still hear the higher frequencies so they can hear a whisper.
Many parents think the child is "just not listening", or they are not paying attention.The child should be seen by their physician to check for ear infections or fluid.A hearing test is a good idea as well.