This happens gradually and usually in both ears but not necessarily at the same time. Other health conditions dealing with blood pressure and blood movement cause pressure changes in the ear that creates hearing issues. Otitis media is prevalent in children because of how the inner ear is laid out in kids vs. adults.
Generally, noise is too loud if an individual has to shout to make him or herself heard; if it makes their ears hurt; makes their ears ring; or if they have difficulty hearing for a period of time after exposure. This type of hearing impairment does not occur very often. Perhaps you used to always keep the volume at level eight, but now it has crept up to twelve in order for you to clearly hear your favorite show. This type of hearing impairment may also be called: sensory loss, inner ear loss, cochlear hearing impairment, nerve deafness or nerve loss.