Tom Scott, There is also another explanation for loss of hearing range besides age related: ENVIRONMENT! I am 45. I've lived and worked in noisy environments. I've driven old diesel pickups and cars (daily drivers, not commercial trucks). I spent thirteen years of school (and a few years after that) practicing and performing in concert and marching bands. (My instrument is the trumpet, but just being in proximity to the percussion section is enough.) While I can still hear old Cathode TV's and the pigeon repelling devices, I can't hear past that. On top of that, when all is quiet, my ears ring.<br><br>Even if you haven't had a noisy vehicle, house, or job, if you go to sporting events or concerts on a regular basis (especially indoors), skating rinks, or even just blare your radio in the car, you're damaging your hearing. <br><br>Wish I had invested in a decent pair of earplugs in high school and college, but it wasn't something that was talked about before the mid-nineties. I know my daughter's various band classes never brought it up, even thought they should. Protect your hearing, and your ears will love you forever.