Menopause and hearing loss: Is there a connection?
Menopause and hearing loss: Is there a connection?
5 minutes
Menopause 6 October 2026
6 October 2026
During menopause, changing hormone levels can affect many parts of the body, including your hearing. Research suggests that some women may notice changes to their hearing or develop symptoms such as tinnitus during or after menopause. Understanding the signs can help you know when to seek advice and support.
1. How menopause can affect your hearing
Oestrogen plays an important role in supporting hearing. As oestrogen levels naturally fall during menopause, this protection may reduce. Research suggests this can contribute to changes in hearing, including reduced hearing sensitivity, a higher likelihood of tinnitus and changes in how the brain processes sound.
Oestrogen helps support healthy hearing
Hormone changes may affect hearing
Hearing may become less sensitive
Tinnitus may become more common
2. What does the research say?
Recent large-scale longitudinal studies support this link between menopause and hearing changes.
214,000+
A UK study involving more than 214,000 women found that both natural and surgical menopause were linked to a higher risk of hearing loss. The risk was greatest for women who experienced menopause early.
After the final menstrual period
Research has shown that hearing may decline more quickly after the final menstrual period.
Metabolic factors
Overall health, including metabolic health, may also influence how hearing changes during menopause.
3. The link to cognitive health
• Hearing loss has been linked to an increased risk of cognitive decline and is recognised as a risk factor that may be modified through appropriate care.
• Some research suggests women with hearing loss may have a greater risk of developing dementia than men with similar hearing loss, although more research is needed.
• Changes in hearing and cognitive health may influence one another.
4. Could menopause be affecting your hearing?
• Needing the TV or radio louder than usual
• Struggling to hear in busy places or groups
• Ringing, buzzing, or hissing in your ears
• Frequently asking people to repeat themselves
• Feeling mentally tired after conversations
5. What can you do?
Book a free hearing test
If you've noticed changes to your hearing, a free hearing test can help identify any changes and provide reassurance.
Look after your overall health
Looking after your overall health through regular exercise, a balanced diet and good sleep may also support your hearing health.
Seek support early
If you're experiencing hearing changes or tinnitus, it's important to seek advice. Early support can help you understand what's causing your symptoms and the options available.
We're here to help
If you've noticed changes to your hearing during or after menopause, our hearing care specialists are here to help. Book a free hearing test to better understand your hearing health and receive personalised advice.
While not everyone will experience hearing changes during menopause, recognising the signs early can help you take positive steps to protect your hearing health.
References:
B.Z. Shuster, et al.
Sex differences in hearing: probing the role of estrogen signaling
J. Acoust. Soc. Am., 145 (2019), p. 3656
C. Hederstierna, et al.
The menopause triggers hearing decline in healthy women
Hear. Res., 259 (2010), pp. 31-35
Y. Jang, et al.
Hearing changes and trajectories during the menopausal transition and their association with metabolic factors
Maturitas, 201 (2025), Article 108686
C. Fu, et al.
Reproductive milestones, use of menopausal hormone therapy, and risk of hearing loss: a life course study of 214 327 women
Maturitas, 201 (2025), Article 108685
D.G. Loughrey
Age-related hearing loss and dementia risk across the lifespan: mechanisms, equity, and prevention
Neuroscience, 585 (2025), pp. 78-84
Author
Boots Hearingcare
Boots Hearingcare