"For two years I have avoided almost all social gatherings because it is impossible for me to say to people 'I am deaf'," he wrote. "If I belonged to any other profession it would be easier, but in my profession it is a frightful state."  

Ludwig von Beethoven is one of the most immortal composers of all time. Born in December 1770, Beethoven enjoyed early success as a composer and musician. Tragically, he suffered from progressive hearing loss that reportedly started in his mid- to late 20s. 

A researcher at the University of Connecticut, Marie Coppola, recently received a  National Science Foundation grant  "to study the impact of early language experiences—whether spoken or signed—on how children learn." She theorizes that the difference in success is not a matter of whether the language is spoken or signed but rather if the access to any language is early or late.

May 31 ends Better Hearing and Speech Month with National #SaveYourHearingDay. It is important to take some time to learn ways to protect your hearing and that of your family. Our hearing is vital, and there are ways that hearing loss can be avoidable.

There are various reasons from which hearing loss can be the result, including the following: