Age-Related Changes in Hearing

As we age, it’s natural to experience changes in our auditory health. Known as presbycusis, age-related hearing loss can occur in men and women. Changes in blood flow and circulation can harm the sensitive hair-like structures in the inner ear that send sound signals to the brain for interpretation.3 

For women, the symptoms of hearing loss may be more pronounced after menopause due to the combination of hormonal changes and the ageing process.4 However, with early intervention and the right support, these challenges can be effectively managed.


The Link Between Menopause and Hearing Loss

For women, estrogen and progesterone aren’t just crucial for our health and hormonal cycle, they also play a vital role in our auditory system.5 These hormones support blood flow to the inner ear and help maintain its balance of fluids, protecting auditory functions.5 

During menopause, progesterone and estrogen levels decline considerably.1 Though it can take up to 12 months for your body to stop producing these hormones, it’s not uncommon to experience challenges with your hearing during this time. Once the body stops producing estrogen, the mucus membranes in the inner ear will begin to dry out, affecting your hearing and balance.5 

Menopause can also impact your hearing in the following ways:

  • Increased risk of blocked ears and infection: excessive dryness can affect the ear’s ability to regulate wax production and cleanliness.6 As a result, ears can overproduce wax, leading to a build up that may cause conductive hearing loss. 
  • Tinnitus: some women experience tinnitus, or a ringing in the ears, during perimenopause which can start up to 10 years before menopause.7 As estrogen levels continue to drop, weakening the blood vessels in your ears, symptoms of tinnitus may be exacerbated. 
  • Difficulty hearing in noisy environments: menopause, when combined with age-related hearing changes, may affect social interactions and communication.6 You may find it harder to follow conversations or make out words when talking in noisy environments. 


Lifestyle Changes To Better Protect Your Hearing

Hormonal changes are a natural part of life, but there are ways you can protect your hearing health during menopause. 

  • Stay active: regular exercise can help to support circulation and better maintain ear health.8 
  • Eat a hearing-friendly diet: a healthy, balanced diet can better support auditory function.9 Consider magnesium, zinc, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants. 
  • Reduce stress: stress can exacerbate tinnitus and disrupt overall wellbeing, so relaxation techniques like yoga or meditation can be greatly helpful.10 
  • Get regular hearing tests: early detection of hearing loss can help you take a proactive approach to your health. With the support of hearing care professionals, you can ensure you maintain your lifestyle and stay connected to the people and places around you. 

With awareness about the connection between menopause and hearing health increasing, it’s easier than ever to take action and make your hearing health a priority. 

If you’ve noticed changes in your hearing, book an appointment at your local Connect Hearing clinic. Our friendly team will check your hearing and help you manage any concerns so you can be confident in your hearing health. 


References:

  1. National Institute on Aging (16 October 2024), What Is Menopause?, National Institute on Aging, accessed 10 February 2025. 
  2. Health Direct (December 2023), Menopause, www.healthdirect.gov.au, accessed 10 February 2025.  
  3. Johns Hopkins Medicine (n.d.), Age-Related Hearing Loss (Presbycusis), www.hopkinsmedicine.org, accessed 10 February 2025. 
  4. Maturitas (May 2018), Effects of ovarian reserve and hormone therapy on hearing in premenopausal and postmenopausal women: A cross-sectional study, Science Direct, accessed 10 February 2025. 
  5. International Archives of Otorhinolaryngology (29 October 2015), Influence of Hormonal Changes on Audiologic Examination in Normal Ovarian Cycle Females: An Analytic Study, National Library of Medicine, accessed 10 February 2025. 
  6. Menopause Natural Solutions (9 February 2024), Ear Health during the Menopausal Transition, www.menopausenaturalsolutions.com, accessed 10 February 2025. 
  7. Balance by Newson Health (n.d.), Hearing loss and tinnitus in the perimenopause and menopause, www.balance-menopause.com, accessed 10 February 2025. 
  8. Ear Science Institute Australia (22 May 2023), The Role of Exercise in Hearing Health, www.earscience.org.au, accessed 10 February 2025. 
  9. Ear Hear (24 February 2020), Relationship Between Diet, Tinnitus, and Hearing Difficulties, National Library of Medicine, accessed 10 February 2025. 
  10. Clinical Practice & Epidemiology in Mental Health (31 October 2018), Tinnitus: The Sound of Stress?, National Library of Medicine, accessed 10 February 2025.