The Impact of Gender on Hearing Loss and Hearing Aid Use

Hearing loss is a common and significant health issue worldwide that affects the quality of life for many people, leading to social isolation, depression, and even cognitive decline in individuals.

So, what is the effect of the gender factor on hearing loss?

According to reports from the World Health Organization (WHO), hearing loss is a more common health problem among men worldwide compared to women. In Turkey specifically, men experience hearing loss at higher rates than women. This ratio can be explained by hormonal differences, genetic factors, and men’s tendency to work in noisier environments.

Genetic factors: Research indicates that genetic factors are an important risk factor for hearing loss. Some genes located on the X chromosome are known to be associated with hearing loss, and these genes are more effective in men compared to women.

Genetic defects linked to the X chromosome account for approximately 1.7% of all hearing loss cases (3). Hearing loss is a feature of various X chromosome disorders, including well-defined complex syndromes such as Alport syndrome, Norrie disease, Hunter syndrome, and orbito-palato-digital syndrome.

(Journal of Otorhinolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery, 5: 165–170, 1997).

Hormonal differences: Gender hormones have an impact on the prevalence of hearing loss between genders. Studies exist that suggest estrogen hormone has a protective effect on women’s hearing health. There are no clear research findings on whether testosterone hormone has a positive or negative effect on hearing loss.

Noise exposure: There are more men working in fields with high noise levels, such as construction, mining, transportation, and industrial production, compared to women. Such noisy environments are a long-term risk factor for hearing loss.

Other diseases: Men are more prone to certain diseases than women, and these diseases can increase the risk of hearing loss. For example, it has been explained that health problems such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and high blood pressure are risk factors for hearing loss, and these diseases are statistically more common in men.

Harmful habits such as smoking and alcohol consumption are also significant risk factors for hearing loss, with men consuming these substances more than women. In recent years, there have been statistical results showing an increase in women’s cigarette use worldwide.

Now let’s move on to the gender factor in hearing aid usage. :)

Aesthetic concerns, communication needs, and social norms are the main elements shaping the role of the gender factor in hearing aid usage.

Based on the literature I have read on the subject and my observations at the institution where I work in the city I work in (Samsun), I cannot say that the gender factor creates a sharp difference in hearing aid usage. In this context, considering the perspectives of women and men separately towards hearing aids would be a more accurate approach. It is crucial for both hearing specialists and manufacturers to pay attention to potential individual sensitivities related to gender in terms of hearing aid satisfaction.

Thank you for reading.