Around 45 million Americans have some degree of hearing loss. While seniors are the group most at risk (half of people over 75 have some hearing loss), hearing loss can happen to anyone, at any age.

Common reasons for hearing loss include genetics, exposure to loud noise, viruses and infections, as well as blockages and obstructions in the ear from fluid, earwax, or foreign objects. Many forms of hearing loss are preventable but irreversible, so it's important to take steps to protect your hearing. Read on to learn more about how the ear works, and how common problems can affect your hearing.