Unlike my father, I used ear protection when he was using chain saws, drills, impact hammers, etc. Unlike my wife, I use ear protection at rock concerts. My hearing is good to 16 kHz when tested. Probably better. I'm 65 and have excellent hearing. My father's hearing substantially deteriorated in his early 80s. My wife can't stand piccolos, flutes and percussive piano sounds. My mother, who like me, protected her hearing all her life, also has excellent hearing at age 87. So, protect your hearing and you probably won't lose it, unless bad genetics are involved.