Hearing damage is cumulative. Between my time in the military (my work-center was near some F-16 hangars) and several years participating in competitive pistol shooting (hearing protection worn), I now sometimes have trouble understanding people.
Just like getting your vision checked, you should get your hearing checked periodically. Age plays a factor. As you get older, the nerves in your ear become less sensitive and the structures in the ear can become less responsive to sound.
Just like getting your vision checked, you should get your hearing checked periodically. Age plays a factor. As you get older, the nerves in your ear become less sensitive and the structures in the ear can become less responsive to sound.