Why hearing loss in men is more common than women
Hearing loss is a common condition that affects more than 5% of the world’s population. We already know that hearing loss has a range of different causes and can develop at any time in an individual’s life, but did you know that gender can also play a role?
There have been many studies on the way that gender can influence the likelihood of developing hearing loss and according to the National Institute on Deafness and Communication Disorders (NIDCD), men are almost twice as likely as women to experience hearing loss in adulthood.
It’s an interesting subject and isn’t as black and white as men having certain genetic factors, but rather a combination of biological, environmental, and lifestyle factors which we’ll discuss below.
What makes hearing loss in men more common?
Not only are men more likely to experience hearing loss than women, but it’s also more likely that it will creep up on them at an earlier age.
The reason why isn’t as simple as gender bias or just getting older, there are a mix of factors at play. Whilst some are unavoidable, understanding them can help men better protect their hearing.
Here are some of the key reasons why men may be more likely to lose their hearing.
1. Different occupational choices
This is something that dates back decades but still to this day, men are more likely to work in noisy environments. If we think of careers in industries like construction, manufacturing, and the military – constant exposure to loud machinery, tools and explosions is commonplace and can lead to long-term damage of the auditory system.
Even with safety regulations in place, repeated exposure to excessive noise can take its toll which is why regular use of hearing protection is vital. Harley Street Hearing offer custom hearing protection for work to ensure sufficient sound reduction in noisy environments.
2. Participating in louder hobbies
Similarly, it’s quite common for men to also undertake hobbies that expose them to dangerously high noise levels. From motorbike enthusiasts and budding musicians to those who enjoy partaking in shooting on the weekend, men often find themselves predisposing their ears to gradual damage over time.
Whether an occasional hobby or a regular weekend sport, investing in hearing protection is crucial. Our range at Harley Street Hearing includes everything from shooting plugs and musicians’ ear plugs to motorbike pro communicators and more.
3. Use of medications
Hearing loss isn’t just about high noise exposure, research also shows that the use of certain medications can damage the cochlea in the inner ear causing hearing loss.
According to the National Library of Medicine, regular use of ototoxic medications like aspirin, acetaminophen and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) has been found to affect hearing loss in men under 60 and studies claim that men are more likely to take these medications than women.
In the study, under 60 males who were regular users of aspirin were 33% more likely to experience hearing loss. Males under 50 who used acetaminophen had a 99% higher chance of developing hearing loss, and those between 50 and 59 were 38% more likely.
It’s important to always check the side effects of medication, and ask your doctor about alternatives if hearing loss is a concern. As a general rule, avoid overusing pain relievers like ibuprofen or aspirin unless necessary.
4. Hormonal differences
One of the unavoidable factors that makes a difference between men’s and women’s likelihood of developing hearing loss is that women have estrogen working in their favour.
According to research, estrogen plays a role in protecting the auditory system from hearing loss and as these levels decline after menopause, the likelihood of women developing hearing loss increases.
5. Cardiovascular and health differences
Heart health and hearing health are closely linked. Conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes and poor circulation can damage the small blood vessels in the inner ear, leading to gradual hearing loss.
Conclusive data from studies have demonstrated that men are more likely to develop these conditions than women, and in earlier stages of their lives.
This means it’s even more important for men to stay on top of their heart health with regular exercise, a healthy diet and stress management. Managing blood pressure and cholesterol isn’t just good for your heart – it helps preserve your hearing too!
6. Genetic and biological differences
Of course, when we’re looking at gender differences in any health problem, there will usually be some genetic factors at play and some men will simply be more genetically prone to hearing loss.
However, this does also apply generally to the wider population – some individuals will be more likely to develop hearing loss than others. While genetics can’t be changed, early intervention is key. If hearing loss runs in your family, it’s even more important to get regular hearing tests and take extra precautions against noise exposure.
Protecting your hearing
While men are at a greater risk of hearing loss and sometimes this may be unavoidable, many of the contributing factors can be managed with the right lifestyle choices. Simple steps like wearing hearing protection, monitoring medication use, staying healthy and getting regular hearing tests can go a long way in preserving your hearing for years to come.
Frequent hearing tests are a vital tool that can help spot any auditory issues before they arise. Harley Street Hearing’s team of clinical audiologists offer thorough, professional hearing tests and consultations that assess your individual hearing needs. We pride ourselves on our meticulous approach that ensures you leave our clinic fully informed about your hearing health with the tools you need to help you hear to the best of your ability.
To book an appointment, call us on 020 7486 1053 or contact us online.
Enjoy this article? You might be interested in some of our others:
