June 16, 2025—Men, listen up! Research shows that men are more likely than women to have hearing loss. In fact, among U.S. adults between the ages of 20 and 69, hearing loss is twice as likely for men as it is for women, says the National Institutes of Health.
Why the difference?
Hormones may play a role. According to the World Health Organization, estrogen helps to protect women's hearing abilities until menopause.
Men are also more likely to serve in the military or work in fields that expose them to repetitive loud noise, such as:
- Construction.
- Mining.
- Public transportation.
- Manufacturing.
Other risk factors for noise-induced hearing loss include:
- Ear injuries.
- Some chronic conditions, like diabetes and high blood pressure.
- Family history of hearing loss that is not noise-related.
- Certain medications.
- Exposure to certain chemicals.
Preventing noise-induced hearing loss
Experts don't yet know how to prevent age-related hearing loss. But when it comes to noise-related hearing loss, the best way to prevent hearing damage is to avoid or reduce exposure to loud noises, like:
- Fireworks.
- Power tools.
- Lawn mowers.
- Loud music.
- Concerts.
- Sports events.
You can use a sound level meter to measure noise levels. Some are available as mobile phone apps. If the sound is 85 decibels or above, eliminate or get away from the noise source if possible.
You also can wear ear protection, such as earplugs or earmuffs, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The power of hearing aids
If you think you're experiencing hearing loss, it's important to get treated. Hearing loss can affect your health and your mental well-being. It's been linked to reduced cognitive abilities, such as concentration and memory. It also can make you feel isolated, lonely and depressed.
Treatment—such as a hearing aid—can help. To get started, talk with your doctor. An audiologist may be able to prescribe a hearing aid for you. Depending on the extent of your hearing loss, you also might be able to purchase a hearing aid over the counter, without a prescription. Learn more about hearing aids and how to choose the right one for you.
Sources
- American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. "Noise at Work." https://www.asha.org/public/hearing/Noise-at-Work.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "Noise-Induced Hearing Loss." https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/noise/about/noise.html.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "What Causes Noise-Induced Hearing Loss." https://www.cdc.gov/hearing-loss/causes/index.html.
- National Institutes of Health. "Age-Related Hearing Loss (Presbycusis)." https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/age-related-hearing-loss.
- National Institutes of Health. "Hearing Loss: A Common Problem for Older Adults." https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/hearing-and-hearing-loss/hearing-loss-common-problem-older-adults.
- National Institutes of Health. "Quick Statistics About Hearing, Balance, & Dizziness." https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/statistics/quick-statistics-hearing.
- U.S. Census Bureau. "Three-Fourths of Female Veterans Served During Wartime." https://www.census.gov/library/stories/2018/03/female-veterans.html.
- U.S. Census Bureau. "QWI Explorer." https://qwiexplorer.ces.census.gov/?s=12a216&st=US&v=bar&fc=true&t=ac0&x=0&g=0.
- World Health Organization. "World Report on Hearing." https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240020481.