Being exposed to everyday noises, such as listening to loud music, being in a noisy environment, or using a lawn mower, drilling or other noisy tools, can lead to gradual hearing loss over the years.

More often than not tinnitus (or ringing in the ears) will go along with the hearing loss and may be just as tiring as the hearing loss itself. 

Hearing loss can also be caused by earwax buildup, an object in the ear, ear infection, a ruptured eardrum, and other conditions that affect the ear.