---
title: "Hearing loss in men: what you need to know"
description: Discover why men are more prone to noise-induced hearing loss and learn practical steps to protect your hearing for a better quality of life.
image: https://blog.newzealandhearing.co.nz/hubfs/Elderly%20father%20and%20adult%20son.png
---
[  ](https://www.newzealandhearing.co.nz)
- [Hearing Services](https://newzealandhearing.co.nz/hearing-services/)
- [Basic Hearing Check](https://newzealandhearing.co.nz/hearing-services/basic-hearing-checks/)
- [Full Diagnostic Hearing Assessment](https://newzealandhearing.co.nz/hearing-services/full-diagnostic-testing/)
- [Tinnitus Assesment](https://newzealandhearing.co.nz/hearing-services/tinnitus-assessment/)
- [New Hearing Aid Fitting](https://newzealandhearing.co.nz/hearing-services/new-hearing-aid-fitting/)
- [Child Hearing Assessment](https://newzealandhearing.co.nz/hearing-services/child-hearing-assessment/)
- [Custom Hearing Protection](https://newzealandhearing.co.nz/hearing-services/custom-hearing-protection/)
- [Hearing Aid Maintenance & Support](https://newzealandhearing.co.nz/hearing-services/hearing-aid-maintenance-and-support/)
- [Pre-Employment / Workplace Hearing Test](https://newzealandhearing.co.nz/hearing-services/full-diagnostic-testing/)
- [Auditory Processing Disorder (APD)](https://newzealandhearing.co.nz/hearing-services/auditory-processing-disorder-apd/)
- [Micro Suction Ear Wax Removal](https://newzealandhearing.co.nz/hearing-services/micro-suction-ear-wax-removal/)
- [Hearing Aid Funding](https://www.newzealandhearing.co.nz/hearing-aid-funding/)
- [Hearing Aids](https://newzealandhearing.co.nz/hearing-aids/)
- [Our Products](https://newzealandhearing.co.nz/hearing-aids/our-products/)
- [Care & How-to's](https://newzealandhearing.co.nz/hearing-aids/care-and-how-tos/)
- [Insuring your Hearing Aids](https://www.newzealandhearing.co.nz/hearing-aids/insuring-your-hearing-aids)
- [Hearing Aid Battery Recycling](https://newzealandhearing.co.nz/hearing-aids/hearing-aid-battery-recycling/)
- [Locked vs. Unlocked Hearing Aids](https://www.newzealandhearing.co.nz/hearing-aids/locked-vs-unlocked-hearing-aids/)
- [Hearing Loss](https://newzealandhearing.co.nz/hearing-loss/)
- [How we hear](https://newzealandhearing.co.nz/hearing-loss/how-we-hear/)
- [Symptoms of Hearing Loss](https://newzealandhearing.co.nz/hearing-loss/symptoms-of-hearing-loss/)
- [Types of Hearing Loss](https://newzealandhearing.co.nz/hearing-loss/types-of-hearing-loss/)
- [Impact on Health](https://newzealandhearing.co.nz/hearing-loss/impact-on-health/)
- [Local Client Stories](https://newzealandhearing.co.nz/hearing-loss/case-studies/)
- [Tinnitus](https://www.newzealandhearing.co.nz/tinnitus-information/)
- [Blog](https://blog.newzealandhearing.co.nz/blog/)
- [Clinics](https://newzealandhearing.co.nz/contact/)
- [Hearing Check](https://www.newzealandhearing.co.nz/online-hearing-check)
Make that appointment for you or a loved one
Make that appointment for you or a loved one
[Request Appt](https://www.newzealandhearing.co.nz/contact/)
- [Hearing Services](https://newzealandhearing.co.nz/hearing-services/)
- [Basic Hearing Check](https://newzealandhearing.co.nz/hearing-services/basic-hearing-checks/)
- [Full Diagnostic Hearing Assessment](https://newzealandhearing.co.nz/hearing-services/full-diagnostic-testing/)
- [Tinnitus Assesment](https://newzealandhearing.co.nz/hearing-services/tinnitus-assessment/)
- [New Hearing Aid Fitting](https://newzealandhearing.co.nz/hearing-services/new-hearing-aid-fitting/)
- [Child Hearing Assessment](https://newzealandhearing.co.nz/hearing-services/child-hearing-assessment/)
- [Custom Hearing Protection](https://newzealandhearing.co.nz/hearing-services/custom-hearing-protection/)
- [Hearing Aid Maintenance & Support](https://newzealandhearing.co.nz/hearing-services/hearing-aid-maintenance-and-support/)
- [Pre-Employment / Workplace Hearing Test](https://newzealandhearing.co.nz/hearing-services/full-diagnostic-testing/)
- [Auditory Processing Disorder (APD)](https://newzealandhearing.co.nz/hearing-services/auditory-processing-disorder-apd/)
- [Micro Suction Ear Wax Removal](https://newzealandhearing.co.nz/hearing-services/micro-suction-ear-wax-removal/)
- [Hearing Aid Funding](https://www.newzealandhearing.co.nz/hearing-aid-funding/)
- [Hearing Aids](https://newzealandhearing.co.nz/hearing-aids/)
- [Our Products](https://newzealandhearing.co.nz/hearing-aids/our-products/)
- [Care & How-to's](https://newzealandhearing.co.nz/hearing-aids/care-and-how-tos/)
- [Insuring your Hearing Aids](https://www.newzealandhearing.co.nz/hearing-aids/insuring-your-hearing-aids)
- [Hearing Aid Battery Recycling](https://newzealandhearing.co.nz/hearing-aids/hearing-aid-battery-recycling/)
- [Locked vs. Unlocked Hearing Aids](https://www.newzealandhearing.co.nz/hearing-aids/locked-vs-unlocked-hearing-aids/)
- [Hearing Loss](https://newzealandhearing.co.nz/hearing-loss/)
- [How we hear](https://newzealandhearing.co.nz/hearing-loss/how-we-hear/)
- [Symptoms of Hearing Loss](https://newzealandhearing.co.nz/hearing-loss/symptoms-of-hearing-loss/)
- [Types of Hearing Loss](https://newzealandhearing.co.nz/hearing-loss/types-of-hearing-loss/)
- [Impact on Health](https://newzealandhearing.co.nz/hearing-loss/impact-on-health/)
- [Local Client Stories](https://newzealandhearing.co.nz/hearing-loss/case-studies/)
- [Tinnitus](https://www.newzealandhearing.co.nz/tinnitus-information/)
- [Blog](https://blog.newzealandhearing.co.nz/blog/)
- [Clinics](https://newzealandhearing.co.nz/contact/)
- [Hearing Check](https://www.newzealandhearing.co.nz/online-hearing-check)
[<< Back to All Articles](https://blog.newzealandhearing.co.nz/blog)
# Hearing loss in men: what you need to know
Did you know that men are nearly three times more likely to develop noise-induced hearing loss than women, yet they are less likely to seek help? While many men are proactive about fitness, heart health, and annual checkups, hearing health is often overlooked. So why does this happen, and what can be done about it?
# Why men are more at risk
There isn’t a single explanation, but a few key factors stand out. Many men are employed in noisy industries such as construction, farming or manufacturing, where exposure to machinery and tools is part of the daily environment. Outside of work, pastimes like motorbikes, loud music, or regular use of power tools can all contribute to gradual damage over time.
There’s also a behavioural element. Research suggests that men are less likely to book a hearing test or see an audiologist early, either because they don’t notice the signs right away or because they put off getting support. By the time they do visit an audiology clinic, the hearing loss is often more advanced.
# Protecting your hearing
Hearing loss caused by noise exposure is largely preventable, yet many men overlook the cumulative effects of everyday noise. Small steps – like using earmuffs or earplugs at work, taking breaks from loud environments, or turning the volume down – can make a real difference over time. For more practical tips, check out our [safe listening habits](https://blog.newzealandhearing.co.nz/blog/safe-listening-habits)guide to protecting your hearing day to day.
# The role of ACC funding
ACC may be able to help with the cost of hearing aids if your hearing loss is linked to noise exposure or an injury, such as years of loud work environments or a head injury. The amount of support varies depending on the cause and degree of hearing loss. While the process can seem daunting, every New Zealand Hearing clinic is ACC certified and will guide you through it step by step.
# Beyond hearing loss: tinnitus
It’s not just hearing loss that can result from noise exposure. Many people also experience tinnitus – a ringing, buzzing or hissing sound in the ears – which can become more noticeable after years of working in loud environments. While there’s no single cure, a hearing test with an audiologist and tailored care plan can help manage tinnitus and reduce its impact on daily life. For some people, hearing aids can also provide relief by improving overall sound clarity and helping to mask the ringing.
# Staying connected
Hearing well isn’t just about avoiding health issues – it’s about staying connected to the people and moments that matter most. Friends, family, colleagues, and community life are all enriched when we can hear clearly. Traditional norms can make it hard for men to acknowledge hearing problems, and many put off support until the loss is significant. Often, it’s a partner, child, or friend who first notices the signs and encourages them to seek help. On average, people wait seven to ten years from first noticing symptoms before seeking help.
If you’ve noticed changes in your hearing, book a hearing test with your local audiologist. Early action leads to better outcomes, improved quality of life, and helps you stay fully connected to the people and experiences you care about most.
[](https://blog.newzealandhearing.co.nz/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLJKktUfoALr03I0bAknY44a8PgPhWYPTU4N7uwRwaa8uGrsmiacET23Q4Pwu7t6Qp3xkOKqZBPxP7wCY0peADiMcZjWjVh%2BoIikLTmbj1Cx5kT2GdHB%2BK9BnfrlQtlhS0mRjB4aLpBJ9yXr%2Fi8rfIXFzBBkyA3dPTUMioNmvuPXgO9kaVZ4SAXe%2B6KCcgI%3D&webInteractiveContentId=232149084646&portalId=5367246)
Article contributed on Thursday 04 Sept 2025 by
NZ Hearing
[More articles by this author](https://blog.newzealandhearing.co.nz/blog/author/nz-hearing)
[<< Back to All Articles](https://blog.newzealandhearing.co.nz/blog)
## New Zealand, make that appointment
### And give yourself a pat on the back for being proactive
- Quick Links
- [About Us](https://www.newzealandhearing.co.nz/about/)
- [Love Your Hearing Foundation](https://www.newzealandhearing.co.nz/love-your-hearing-foundation/)
- [Join Us](https://www.newzealandhearing.co.nz/join-us/)
- [Refer a Friend](https://www.newzealandhearing.co.nz/refer-a-friend/)
- [Blog](https://blog.newzealandhearing.co.nz/blog/)
- [Frequently Asked Questions](https://www.newzealandhearing.co.nz/frequently-asked-questions/)
- [Care & How-to's](https://www.newzealandhearing.co.nz/hearing-aids/care-and-how-tos/)
- [Hearing Aid Battery Recycling](https://www.newzealandhearing.co.nz/hearing-aids/hearing-aid-battery-recycling/)
- [Privacy Policy](https://www.newzealandhearing.co.nz/privacy-policy/)
- Local Clinics
- [Brenna Sincock Hearing](https://www.newzealandhearing.co.nz/brenna-sincock-hearing/)
- [Ed Thynne Hearing](https://www.newzealandhearing.co.nz/ed-thynne-hearing/)
- [Hamilton Hearing](https://www.newzealandhearing.co.nz/hamilton-hearing/)
- [Laura Arnold Audiology](https://www.newzealandhearing.co.nz/laura-arnold-audiology/)
- [Lisa Keen Audiology](https://www.newzealandhearing.co.nz/lisa-keen-audiology/)
- [Melanie Mackenzie Hearing](https://www.newzealandhearing.co.nz/melanie-mackenzie-hearing/)
- [New Zealand Hearing](https://www.newzealandhearing.co.nz/new-zealand-hearing/)
- [Sarah Lies Hearing](https://www.newzealandhearing.co.nz/sarah-lies-hearing/)
- [Teresa Burns Hearing](https://www.newzealandhearing.co.nz/teresa-burns-hearing/)
- [Wanaka Hearing](https://www.newzealandhearing.co.nz/wanaka-hearing/)
New Zealand Hearing proudly 100% New Zealand owned and operated.
love your hearing
Follow us for more
```json
{
"@context" : "https://schema.org",
"@type" : "BlogPosting",
"author" : {
"@type" : "Person",
"name" : "NZ Hearing",
"url" : "https://blog.newzealandhearing.co.nz/blog/author/nz-hearing"
},
"dateModified" : "2025-09-03T21:30:00.797Z",
"datePublished" : "2025-09-03T21:30:00.000Z",
"headline" : "Hearing loss in men: what you need to know",
"image" : [ "https://blog.newzealandhearing.co.nz/hubfs/Elderly%20father%20and%20adult%20son.png" ],
"mainEntityOfPage" : {
"@id" : "https://blog.newzealandhearing.co.nz/blog/hearing-loss-in-men-what-you-need-to-know",
"@type" : "WebPage"
},
"publisher" : {
"@type" : "Organization",
"logo" : {
"@type" : "ImageObject",
"url" : "https://blog.newzealandhearing.co.nz/hubfs/images/logos/nzh-new.png"
},
"name" : "Audiology Support"
}
}
```