In the general population, hearing loss is on the increase. Two factors account for this. First is the increased exposure to loud noises. More and more, our population is being exposed to excessive noise. Not only in the workplace, but in just about everything we do.
Recreational noise is definitely a problem.
The second factor in the general population is that people are living longer. Sensory systems, including hearing, begin to fail. There is an increase in the prevalence of hearing loss in school aged children, because of the life-saving measures in neonates. Not only do some of these infants have developmental delays, but hearing loss as well. Noise is also a problem with children, especially in middle and high school students.