Men Have Higher Risk for Hearing Loss

Posted on December 31, 2009 in Health & Medicine, Recent Studies

Loud noises are generally known to impact hearing over time. But men may be more likely to experience noise-related hearing loss, recent research has shown.

A study of more than 5,000 people this past fall found that males were three times more likely than women to have noise-related hearing loss. Scientists at the University of California, Irvine, speculated that occupational and recreational noise exposure is more common among men. The study did not focus on specific causes, but hearing problems can stem from music at concerts and night clubs, or outdoor activities with power mowers and chainsaws. Convertible owners may also experience a buzzing noise in their ears after driving for an extended period of time.

The researchers noted that loss of hearing usually occurs after extended exposure to loud noises. In other words, mowing the lawn for several hours might impact hearing. An extremely loud noise like a gunshot could harm hearing immediately, even though the sound occurs momentarily.

Researchers cited one of the common noise solutions as the best: wear those hearing plugs.