ROANOKE (WSLS 10) - The world around us is filled with noise, including the highways in downtown Roanoke.
Trouble with hearing is now the third most commonly reported chronic health condition in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control.
"Today hearing loss has no bounds in terms of age," said audiologist Kevin McCurdy of Beltone Audiology in Roanoke.
The CDC study also indicated that many are having hearing damage from sounds in everyday activities, such as listening to music with earbuds or headphones.
"What you're seeing are people wearing devices that sound levels are accessible in terms of damaging the hearing," explained McCurdy.
Many people with hearing trouble don't realize it until someone else does, "Often times it's their family members who notice the problem before they do," continued McCurdy.
Bobby Dillan used to have trouble hearing his wife. "I have a hard time hearing her because of her speech," said Dillon.
McCurdy and the CDC say, hearing trouble can limit a person's ability to enjoy social activities and it is connected to depression, to dementia and other health problems.
McCurdy encourages everyone to get their hearing checked.
"If person can walk up next to you, and they can hear the music that you're listening to, it's probably too loud for your ears," said McCurdy.
As for Dillon, he is glad to get his hearing properly treated.