This is a big misconception. Hearing loss can occur at any time during your lifetime and at any age from birth to senior years. It could affect newborn babies, infants, pre-school and school-age children also. People between the ages of 20 to 60 also can suffer from hearing loss. It can happen by sudden noise or constant exposure to loud noises over long periods of time. It could also happen because of different health conditions, specific medication you take and heredity factors.