Science Confirms Women’s Long-Held Assertion: Men Truly Don’t Listen

Scientists Confirm Men’s Hearing Is Less Sensitive Than Women’s
By Xantha Leatham, Executive Science Editor | Updated: 14:27 GMT, 28 March 2025

Men may "miss" household requests due to biological hearing differences, a new study suggests (Stock Image).

A groundbreaking study confirms what many women have long suspected: men aren’t as adept at listening. Researchers found men’s hearing is significantly less sensitive than women’s across all frequencies, potentially explaining why chores sometimes go unheeded.

Key Findings

• Sex-Based Differences: Women showed 2 decibels more sensitivity in hearing tests across 13 global populations, including Ecuador, England, and South Africa. This difference, while subtle, is statistically significant.
• Biology vs. Environment: Sex had a stronger impact on hearing than age. Structural differences in the cochlea (the inner ear’s sound-processing organ) and hormonal exposure during fetal development may explain the gap.
• Environmental Factors: Forest dwellers had the sharpest hearing, while high-altitude populations scored lowest. Urban residents also showed adaptations to noise pollution.

Why Does This Happen?

Professor Turi King of the University of Bath noted, “Women’s brains may process sound more effectively.” However, sensitive hearing isn’t always advantageous—it can heighten stress in noisy environments.

Anatomical differences in the cochlea could underlie hearing disparities (Stock Image).

Location Matters

• Forests: Vigilance in sound-rich environments or lower pollution may enhance hearing.
• High Altitudes: Reduced sensitivity could stem from atmospheric pressure or physiological adaptations to low oxygen.
• Cities: Urban populations showed higher frequency sensitivity, possibly to filter out traffic noise.

Dr. Patricia Balaresque, lead researcher, emphasized, “Our findings challenge assumptions—both biology and environment shape hearing.”

Broader Implications

The study, published in Scientific Reports, highlights the need to rethink hearing loss prevention and noise tolerance strategies. Meanwhile, it humorously validates countless household anecdotes.

Related Insight: A prior study found men often overestimate their intelligence compared to equally skilled women, suggesting confidence gaps extend beyond hearing.

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