A recent study has confirmed what we always knew: Men don’t listen in the same way women do—but not for the reasons many of us think.
Credit: @timmossholder/Unsplash
The findings from the paper in Scientific Reports revealed that biological sex has a big impact on hearing sensitivity, coupled with environmental and other factors.
Jenn Schumacher, Au.D., explains why there is often a difference between men and women’s hearing sensitivity, along with some tips on how to look after your hearing health.
Why Do Men and Women Hear Differently?
“Hearing differences between men and women have long puzzled audiologists, but new insights suggest that biology, especially hormones, could be part of the reason women are said to have sharper hearing.
“A leading theory points to estrogen, the hormone primarily produced by the ovaries, which fluctuates throughout a woman’s menstrual cycle and peaks during the reproductive years. In men, estrogen exists too, but in much lower and more stable levels.
“Estrogen acts as a protective agent for the auditory system and particularly influences the health and function of the cochlea, the part of the inner ear responsible for translating sound waves into nerve signals.
“This protective effect may explain why women’s hearing tends to hold up better over time. But that’s not all.
“There are also subtle anatomical differences in the cochlea between men and women. These differences could help process sound more efficiently and, on average, give women about a 2 decibel (dB) advantage in hearing sensitivity.
“In practical terms? Women can hear slightly softer sounds than men and may be more sensitive to high frequency noise, something that can make a big difference in hearing effectively, especially in noisy environments.
“We’re still piecing the puzzle together. Hormones and anatomy are part of the story, but more research is needed to fully understand how hearing works differently between men and women.”
Lifestyle and Environment
It’s not just biological and anatomical factors that influence the difference between men’s and women’s hearing abilities. Men’s lifestyles and environmental exposure also contribute to hearing differences.
Occupational noise: While women have made significant strides in male-dominated industries, historically men have more commonly worked in roles such as construction, the military, and mechanics. These jobs come with a higher risk of hearing damage due to frequent exposure to loud noise from heavy machinery or gunfire.
Heavy machinery commonly used on construction sites can reach 120 dB, and without proper hearing protection, it can cause permanent damage to the ears. Gunfire can be even more intense, with sound levels reaching roughly 158 dB.
For context, the World Health Organization advises that adults should not be exposed to noise levels over 80 dB for more than 40 hours a week without protective measures.
Hobbies and interests: Like careers, hobbies and interests aren’t limited by sex, but in many cases, men are more likely to engage in loud activities such as riding motorcycles, using firearms, or attending car races and sporting events. These pastimes can lead to repeated, prolonged exposure to loud sounds.
Even seemingly harmless habits such as gaming with headphones at full volume can pose a serious risk if proper hearing precautions aren’t taken. Over time, this repeated noise exposure can damage the delicate hair cells in the inner ear, leading to reduced hearing sensitivity and noise-induced hearing loss, which adds to the hearing gap between men and women.
How to Keep Hearing Healthy
As we’ve examined, though hearing differences between men and women can be as a result of different factors, there are a number of things that all people can do to manage their hearing.
1. Wear hearing protection
When exposed to loud sounds, wearing hearing protection is essential. There are two main options: earmuffs and earplugs, each offering different benefits depending on your needs.
Earmuffs cover the entire ear and seal against the head using acoustic foam, providing a high level of noise reduction. They offer effective protection without the need for a custom fit and can be worn alone or paired with earplugs for added safety in extremely loud environments.
Earplugs, which fit inside the ear canal, are available in various styles, from inexpensive over-the-counter options to custom-made versions with specialized filters or active noise cancellation. A snug, tailored fit improves comfort and protection.
If you’re unsure which option is best for you, consult a hearing care professional.
2. Keep sound at a conversational level
Try to keep sound levels where you can have comfortable conversations with others. Generally, if music or sounds are so loud that you you are shouting to speak to someone next to you, then it is too loud. If you keep sound at a level that allows you to avoid raising your voice, then you are less likely to damage your hearing.
3. Keep a safe distance from loud noises
If you’re attending a music event, festival, or any loud venue, it’s important to keep a safe distance from the source of the sound—whether it’s the speakers, live performers, or fireworks. If distancing yourself doesn’t sufficiently reduce the noise without leaving the event, consider taking regular breaks in quieter areas and wearing hearing protection throughout.
4. Take breaks in quiet spaces
Even with proper hearing protection, it’s important to take regular breaks from loud sounds during events. This gives your ears time to recover and helps reduce the risk of long-term hearing damage. Remember, noise-related harm isn't just about volume—duration matters too. Stepping away from the noise periodically lowers your overall exposure and helps protect against hearing loss.
5. Get hearing regularly tested
Wearing hearing protection and taking breaks are great first steps, but if you’ve been exposed to loud noise without protection or notice any changes in your hearing, schedule a checkup with an audiologist. Remember, too, that tinnitus or ringing in the ears can be an early sign of hearing damage.
A hearing care provider can detect early signs of hearing damage and, by getting a hearing test, you can better track any changes in your hearing ability over time. This goes for men and women both!
This information is provided by the hearing aid company ReSound, where Jenn Schumacher, Au.D., is an audiologist.
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A recent study has confirmed what we always knew: Men don’t listen in the same way women do—but not for the reasons many of us think.