International Women’s Day this year is all about accelerating action.
As employers, are you a part of the process in supporting women making informed decisions about their health? Our hearing health is so important.
Menopause
Menopause is a natural transition that happens to many women between 45-55 years of age. Many women are aware of the hot flushes, mood swings and bone health, but fewer realise the effect of hormone shifts on women’s hearing health. Employers also need to understand this vital link, especially with those working in quiet working environments where small hearing changes can have a significant impact.
Menopause and hearing health
Within our inner ear sits the cochlea, which is responsible for converting sound waves into electrical impulses for the brain to interpret into sound. It is thought oestrogen plays a role in protecting the inner hair cells within our cochlea. During the menopause, the fluctuations in oestrogen levels and the evidential decline in oestrogen levels is thought to affect the blood flow within the cochlea. This can lead to damage of our inner hair cells which results in a hearing loss. The type of hearing loss experienced is similar to age related hearing loss, where the individual has difficulty understanding speech around them. A systematic review in 2023 was really interesting to show that women often have superior hearing to men before menopause, however post-menopause there is a steep decline in hearing sensitivity in women.
Hearing changes after menopause
Research suggests that women may experience subtle but meaningful changes in their hearing during, as well as after menopause. Some of the most common issues include:
Increased hearing loss
Tinnitus (ringing in the ears): Hormonal fluctuations may trigger or worsen tinnitus in some women.
Greater sensitivity to noise: Some women report being more easily disturbed by loud or sudden noises after menopause.
Women and the role of caregiver
I feel it’s also important to add it’s often seen women naturally fall into the role of primary caregiver – of children, relatives, friends, or employees. I see too often women put their own needs to the bottom of the pile to ensure everyone else is taken care of. Employers can really help women by empowering them to prioritise and take care of their own health. One step is to prioritise hearing health at work by providing on site employee hearing tests.
These in-person hearing tests provide immediate results, so employees know what they can do to help their hearing, and by being on-site allows for less time to be taken out of their day. As it’s also organised by the employer, this is one task taken off the mental load for women which helps empower them as individuals, but also as workers with boosted morale and who feel supported in the workplace.
Why Regular Hearing Tests Matter
Because hearing loss triggered by menopause can develop gradually, many women may not notice the early signs. Regular hearing tests can help identify problems before they become more serious. Routine hearing tests are essential for:
Early detection and intervention: Catching hearing issues early allows for better management, workplace adaptations and lifestyle adjustments.
Monitoring changes over time: Establishing a baseline before any changes or problems are noticed.
Protecting quality of life: Good hearing supports communication, cognitive health, and overall wellbeing. Regular tests help ensure that women stay connected and engaged with their world.
Empowering Women Through Education and Prevention
Raising awareness about the connection between menopause and hearing health can empower women to prioritise their hearing alongside other aspects of their wellness. Employers can help by understanding this connection and committing to providing regular employee hearing tests. This allows women to take proactive steps to preserve their hearing and maintain a high quality of life both during and after menopause.
Contact us today to deliver personalised employee hearing tests at your workplace, and show you care about your employees’ hearing health.
Written by Nicola Miller BSc MSHAA, Director and Clinical Lead at Workplace Ear Care.
Nicola is an Audiologist with 15 years of experience working in both the NHS and private sectors
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