This is a common condition in which hearing ability gradually deteriorates over time, typically as people get older. It is one of the most common conditions affecting older adults. The exact cause of age-related hearing loss is not fully understood, but it is believed to be the result of a combination of genetic factors, cumulative exposure to noise over one's lifetime, and changes in the inner ear and auditory system as a person ages.
It develops slowly over many years, often becoming noticeable in the 50s or 60s. Age-related hearing loss often affects the ability to hear higher-pitched sounds, making it difficult to understand speech, especially in noisy environments.