New research shows the factors contributing to age-related hearing loss can vary between males and females.
- Age-related hearing loss (ARHL) is a progressive disorder that reduces your ability to interpret sound, especially in conversation frequencies.
- It affects around 1 in 5 people globally.
- ARHL is irreversible.
Why it matters
Identifying the distinct risk factors for ARHL in men versus women could lead to better prevention and screening approaches.
The study
A study published in PLOS ONE by Dong Woo Nam and colleagues analyzed health examination records of 2,349 participants over 60 to identify factors associated with ARHL in males and females.
By the numbers The study discovered that while some factors were linked to ARHL regardless of gender (aging, no surprise), others showed different associations with ARHL risk for males and females.
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For men
- Being underweight was significantly associated with ARHL in male
- Smoking was associated with increased ARHL risk in males only (who were far more likely to identify as smokers in this sample)
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For women
- Low weight and obesity were associated with ARHL in females.
- Those starting menstruating earlier were less likely to develop ARHL later in life.
The intrigue: The researchers hypothesize that early onset of menstruation may have a protective effect due to increased exposure to estrogen.
The challenge: The study does not establish causal relationships between these factors and hearing loss. Further studies are necessary to confirm and better interpret these findings.
The bottom line
Understanding the gender-specific factors contributing to ARHL can help audiologists when counseling their patients and, in the future, adopt enhanced screening and treatment strategies.
Schedule a free hearing screening
Hearing loss is gradual and not benign. Untreated, it increases your risk of social isolation, falling, and dementia.
Check yours with a free, 15-minute hearing screening by an audiologist.
Call 708-599-9500 to schedule yours.
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