Hearing loss was once thought to be an elderly person's problem.

But, younger and younger folks are becoming hard of hearing.

Hearing loss does take time to develop after continuous noise exposure. If you have your headphones too loud too frequently, you may experience some hearing loss in your younger years.

Are You Endangering Your Hearing?

You take out your earbuds and experience a ringing sensation, dull hearing or you miss someone calling your name. You should recover in a few hours from a single exposure but it takes a toll.

Limit your exposure to loud noises. Consider headphones or earplugs when operating noisy equipment. Turn down the music.

Get your hearing checked every three to five years after age 40. Annual checks are a good idea when you are 50 and older.

There are discreet hearing aids now available if your physician discovers you need hearing assistance.

Listen as Dr. Tom Powers joins Melanie Cole, MS, to share how to prevent hearing loss.