Trouble hearing in one or both ears, which can get worse over time.

Take steps to keep hearing loss from getting worse. Wear earplugs or earmuffs around loud noises. Get regular hearing tests if it's noisy at work. Keep music volume low.

See a health care provider right away if:

• Hearing loss happens fast, especially in one ear.
• Nothing can be heard at all.

See a provider if:

• Voices and other sounds seem too quiet.
• Television or radio volume needs to be turned up loud to be heard.
• Words become hard to understand, especially in places with background noise.
• A person stays away from conversations or social events due to trouble hearing.