In Brazil, data on the prevalence of disabling hearing loss (DHL) are scarce, which affects the knowledge of health professionals regarding the extent of this problem. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of DHL in the city of Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brazil, to identify related individual variables, and assess risk areas. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a descriptive cross-sectional population study conducted from January to October 2009. We randomly selected 349 households comprising 1,050 individuals aged from 4 days to 95 years. The data collection instruments were structured WHO questionnaires, ENT examinations, and laboratory tests. Chi-squared and Poisson regression models were used for analyses. RESULTS: The prevalence of DHL was estimated at 5.2% (95% CI = 3.1 to 7.3), which was classified as moderate in 3.9% (95% CI = 0.001 to 0.134), severe in 0.9% (95% CI = 0.001 to 0.107), and profound in 0.4% (95% CI = 0.001 to 0.095) of the population. DHL was correlated with tinnitus, ages greater than 60 years, and low education. CONCLUSIONS: The data indicate the need to create more studies on the prevalence of DHL, especially in developing countries. Basic care and prevention are essential to a productive future and quality of life in potential carriers of hearing disorders. Epidemiological knowledge of local and regional needs, considering environmental, genetic, and cultural issues, can contribute to the optimization of investments and the implementation of planned actions for health surveillance.