Why Men Are More at Risk for Hearing Loss – And What We Can Do About It

Created 20 May 2025 Updated 20 May 2025

Research

Why Men Are More at Risk for Hearing Loss – And What We Can Do About It

Across the world, men are twice as likely than women to experience hearing loss, especially between the ages of 20 and 69. Despite this, women with hearing loss are more likely to purchase hearing aids after visiting an audiologist.

In addition to being more likely to develop hearing loss, men also seem more likely to be burdened with the associated stigma that can accompany it. Meanwhile, untreated hearing loss can have far-reaching effects, not only on physical and cognitive health, but also on the relationships that matter most. In many cases, men begin to notice the impact when they miss out on meaningful moments with family or struggle to keep up in social situations.

Overcoming this stigma is essential to maintaining familial relationships; research suggests that it’s also key to slowing cognitive decline as we age. This is why encouraging men to take hearing health seriously through support, understanding and professional guidance can make all the difference.

Men are almost twice as likely as women to

have hearing loss among adults ages 20-69

If your loved one is experiencing hearing loss, there are steps you can take to help them address it.

Cultivate a supportive environment: Hearing loss can be difficult to grapple with emotionally. It has an impact on your loved one’s ability to interact socially, and they may be feeling isolated even if they have not openly expressed it. If you understand that your loved one has hearing loss, help build a supportive environment that encourages them to engage. Researching and understanding the challenges they endure will provide much-needed emotional support.

Encourage him to seek professional help: Sensitively and empathetically urging your loved one to receive in-depth evaluation from a hearing care professional will help jump start his journey to addressing hearing health. An audiologist will diagnose the severity of hearing loss and assist in determining the best solution forward. This is the most important step, but can also often be the most difficult. Do your best to assure your loved ones that their quality of life will improve significantly with assistance.

Understand the solutions available: Advancements in technology have propelled innovation in the hearing aid industry. The solutions available today differ wildly from hearing aids of the past that are perceived as clunky and uncomfortable. Understanding how sound quality and aesthetics have changed will help your loved one overcome the stigma of wearing a hearing aid – and may even get them excited about it.

We all know that connection is the fundamental basis of any relationship – familial or otherwise – so addressing hearing health is of the utmost importance to maintaining the relationships that mean the most to us.