Hearing loss affects millions of Americans of all ages. It can be caused
by a genetic defect, an injury or illness, or result from repetitive
exposure to loud noises or age. But what really causes hearing loss? Tiny hair cells convert all sound
information (a whistle, the wind rustling tree leaves or even a loved
one’s laugh) into electrical signals that are sent to the brain. These
hair cells look like regular hairs growing on your head, but are
situated in the inner ear. Hearing loss is increasing in younger Americans, now affecting one in
five teenagers, according to the Journal of the American Medical
Association – an increase of 15 percent in the last 10 years.