Exposure to certain chemicals also can cause hearing loss. Even without dangerous noise levels, hearing naturally declines with age. Researchers in South Dakota say these declines are different for men and women. Men's hearing declines gradually beginning in the 20s. Meanwhile, women's hearing stays about the same until after menopause, when it may decline rapidly.
Women also have a hard time distinguishing tone of voice once their hearing declines.
The researchers say that could be the cause of some problems in relationships, when wives complain that their husbands don't listen to them, while husbands complain that their wives don't understand them. It's simply that men may not hear, while women may misunderstand the tone of voice. Hearing experts at UT Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas say you can do a lot to preserve your hearing by avoiding exposure to loud noises. If your job requires you to be in a noisy environment, use some form of hearing protection, like earplugs or earmuffs. Other Topics Health Watch is intended to provide general information only and should not replace the advice of a medical professional.