Study finds drop in age-related hearing problems

NEW YORK — Sweet news for baby boomers: Their generation appears to have better hearing than their parents did, despite all those warnings about loud rock music.

In fact, a new study suggests that the rate of hearing problems at ages 45 to 75 has been dropping for years.

Scientists are working to find the reasons for that good fortune. Experts say part of it could be less exposure to noisy jobs, or better healthcare, or even a decline in smoking.

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