How Hearing Loss Connects to Aging: Unveiling Gender-Specific Influences in a New Study
A recent study conducted by Dong Woo Nam and his colleagues at Chungbuk National University Hospital in South Korea sheds light on the gender-specific factors contributing to age-related hearing loss (ARHL). ARHL, a gradual decline in the ability to hear high-frequency sounds, poses communication challenges and can lead to feelings of isolation and depression. Approximately one in five individuals globally grapple with hearing loss, and this number is anticipated to climb as the world’s population ages. Since ARHL is irreversible, early identification and preventive measures become crucial.
To delve into the factors associated with ARHL and understand how gender influences their impact, the researchers delved into health examination data from 2,349 participants aged over 60. Beyond basic hearing tests, they collected medical histories, conducted blood tests, and assessed body composition. Analyzing this wealth of information, they pinpointed the factors most strongly linked to ARHL risk in both males and females.
Age emerged as a consistent factor contributing to ARHL, regardless of gender. However, some factors exhibited distinct associations based on sex. For instance, being underweight significantly correlated with ARHL in males, whereas both low weight and obesity were linked to ARHL risk in females. Smoking, a risk factor identified solely in males, highlighted a notable gender difference in smoking prevalence within the sample population.
Interestingly, females who experienced earlier menstruation seemed less prone to developing ARHL later in life, hinting at a potential protective effect of estrogen. While this study doesn’t establish causal relationships between these factors and hearing loss, it lays the groundwork for further experimental studies to validate and interpret these findings.
The authors suggest that addressing and counseling individuals about smoking habits, weight management, and menstruation could enhance screening and preventative measures for ARHL, emphasizing the importance of tailored approaches based on gender-specific risk factors.
Also Read: Empower Ears Everywhere: WHO’s Mission to Bring Hearing Care to Everyone