Women and Hearing Loss: Why Female-Centered Care Matters

Hearing loss is not a one-size-fits-all experience—especially for women. In this episode of the Hearing Wellness Journey Podcast, Dr. Dawn Heiman is joined by colleagues Dr. Emily Johnson, Dr. Stephanie Micaelides, and Lindsey Doherty to unpack the unique ways women experience hearing challenges throughout life.

Hormones, Hearing, and Tinnitus

Research shows that estrogen may act as a protective factor for the inner ear. Women often have stronger otoacoustic emissions and faster auditory responses compared to men. Yet, shifts in hormone levels—during pregnancy, perimenopause, or menopause—can trigger conditions like otosclerosis or intensify tinnitus. Many women also notice hearing changes during midlife, even when test results appear “normal.”

Sleep, Brain Fog, and Everyday Struggles

Lack of sleep and hormonal fluctuations can worsen tinnitus and create a “foggy brain” feeling. These challenges often make it difficult to process conversations, particularly in noisy environments. Sadly, many women are told, “Everything is normal,” leaving them without answers or support.

The Gender Gap in Hearing Research

Most clinical hearing studies have historically focused on men. Even the “zero decibel” standard for normal hearing was based on young male participants. This oversight has left women underserved, with symptoms often dismissed or misinterpreted.

Why Women Seek Help Sooner

Compared to men, women are more likely to notice and act on mild hearing loss. Social connection plays a major role—missing details in conversations with friends or family becomes a strong motivator to seek care.

Beyond Retail Hearing Care

Unlike retail or warehouse-style clinics, private audiology practices like ours take a whole-body, personalized approach. We perform in-depth histories, consider hormonal and lifestyle factors, and use Real Ear Measurement to customize hearing aid fittings to each individual’s ear canal. This ensures patients receive treatment designed specifically for their needs—not based on a “standard male ear.”

Why a Baseline Hearing Test Matters

The doctors emphasize that every woman should schedule a baseline hearing test, ideally starting in their 40s. This helps detect early changes, provides valuable comparisons over time, and can identify underlying issues before they escalate.

Meet the Experts

• Dr. Dawn Heiman – Audiologist and host, dedicated to individualized care and patient advocacy.

• Dr. Emily Johnson – Audiologist with expertise in auditory processing and women’s hearing health.

• Dr. Stephanie Micaelides – Audiologist passionate about supporting women through midlife hearing changes.

• Lindsey Doherty – Practice administrator who champions whole-person care in audiology.

This conversation highlights the importance of treating women as individuals—not “small men.” By combining science, compassion, and advocacy, audiologists can help women protect their hearing and overall well-being.

To see the video edition of this episode with closed captioning, please go to 👉 Hearing Wellness Journey Podcast