V, a member of K-pop sensation BTS, has revealed that he has been dealing with hearing loss in one ear for about two and a half years.V, whose real name is Kim Tae-hyung, opened up about the condition for the first time during a livestream amid the band's highly anticipated world tour. "If the hearing in my left ear is at 100, it's only about 30 in my right," V said.The 30-year-old singer said his hearing became worse while he was serving in the military. However, he initially ignored the problem, believing it was "a matter of mental strength," BBC reported.He said he is now taking medication and visiting the hospital regularly.V Reveals Risk Of Stress FractureV also admitted to pushing through pain during BTS' current tour, revealing that he is dangerously close to developing a stress fracture in his leg.“My shin is right at the point just before a stress fracture. Even today on stage, my heart was set on running around, but it hurt too much at points and I couldn’t," he was quoted as saying by Channel News Asia.Doctors have warned him about inflammation and early bone damage.“It hasn’t reached a stress fracture yet, but there’s a lot of inflammation in my shin, and I think there’s some microdamage to the bone. I’ll be careful with myself so I can finish this tour properly,” he added.BTS is currently halfway through its massive Arirang world tour, which will stop in Singapore in December and conclude in the Philippines in March 2027.What Is Hearing Loss?Hearing loss can happen when any part of the ear is not working in the usual way. This includes:The outer earThe middle earThe inner earThe hearing or acoustic nerveThe auditory system in the brainWhen sound cannot travel properly through these structures, or when the brain cannot process sound clearly, hearing becomes impaired. It may be partial or complete, temporary or permanent, and can occur at any stage of life, from before birth to adulthood.Hearing loss is a growing health concern worldwide. According to the WHO, more than 1.5 billion people—nearly 20% of the world's population—live with some degree of hearing loss. Of these, approximately 430 million people have disabling hearing loss requiring rehabilitation.Hearing loss can have a significant impact on a person's life, affecting education and job prospects.What Causes Hearing Loss?Hearing loss can occur at any time during life. Causes can range from genetic factors to conditions such as Down syndrome or Usher syndrome.Other factors include:Maternal infections during pregnancyComplications after birthSpending five days or more in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU)Severe jaundice requiring a blood transfusionHow To Prevent Hearing LossTo help prevent hearing loss in adults:Limit exposure to loud noises above 85 decibels.Wear ear protection, such as foam plugs or earmuffs, around heavy machinery or at concerts.Keep personal headphone use at safe volumes.Manage chronic health conditions such as high blood pressure.Avoid putting objects such as cotton swabs inside the ears.