June is Men’s Health Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about preventable health issues and encouraging early detection and treatment among men. One area that often gets overlooked is ear, nose, and throat (ENT) health. Research shows that certain ENT conditions are more prevalent—or present differently—in men compared to women. Understanding these conditions can help men and their support systems make informed decisions and seek timely medical care.

1. Laryngeal Cancer

Laryngeal cancer affects the voice box (larynx) and is significantly more common in men. According to the American Cancer Society, 13,000 new cases were estimated for laryngeal cancer—77% of which are men.

Risk Factors

• Tobacco use

• Heavy alcohol consumption

• Exposure to industrial chemicals and irritants (e.g., asbestos)

• Human papillomavirus (HPV)

Symptoms

• Persistent hoarseness

• Difficulty swallowing

• Chronic sore throat

• Ear pain

• Unexplained weight loss

Why It Affects Men More

Lifestyle factors such as higher smoking and alcohol use rates in men contribute to increased risk. Occupational exposures in traditionally male-dominated industries also play a role.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the stage and location of the cancer. Options may include:

• Surgery to remove the tumor or part of the voice box

• Radiation or chemotherapy to target cancer cells

• Speech therapy to help with communication after treatment

2. Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common and potentially serious sleep disorder that several studies have found to be more prevalent among men as opposed to women. This condition causes breathing to repeatedly stop and start during sleep.

Symptoms

• Loud snoring

• Gasping or choking during sleep

• Excessive daytime sleepiness

• Morning headaches

• Irritability and difficulty concentrating

READ: The 10-Year Toll of Poor Midlife Sleep Quality on Cognition

Health Risks

• High blood pressure

• Heart disease

• Stroke

• Type 2 diabetes

• Depression

Treatment

With proper care, sleep apnea is very manageable:

• CPAP therapy keeps airways open during sleep

• Oral appliances help position the jaw to improve breathing

• Weight management plan

• Lifestyle changes like weight loss and limiting alcohol

• Surgical options are available for certain cases

3. Noise-Induced and Age-Related Hearing Loss

Men are more likely than women to experience hearing loss, particularly noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) and presbycusis (age-related hearing loss). A study by the CDC found that approximately 24% of men have hearing loss related to noise exposure, compared to 17% of women (CDC, 2017).

Risk Factors

• Occupational noise (e.g., construction, military)

• Recreational noise (e.g., loud music, power tools)

• Lack of hearing protection

  
  

Symptoms

• Difficulty hearing conversations

• Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)

• Needing to turn up the volume on devices

Why It Affects Men More

Greater likelihood of working in noisy environments and engaging in noisy hobbies without adequate ear protection.

4. Tinnitus

Tinnitus, a condition characterized by a persistent ringing or buzzing in the ears, is also more common in men. Research published in The Journal of the American Medical Association found that men are more likely to report moderate to severe tinnitus, especially those exposed to loud occupational noise.

Risk Factors

• Loud noise exposure

• Hearing loss

• High blood pressure

• Certain medications

Symptoms

• Ringing, buzzing, or hissing sounds

• Can interfere with sleep and concentration

Treatment

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution, but many find relief with:

• Sound therapy to mask or reduce the ringing

• Counseling or CBT to manage the emotional impact

• Hearing aids, especially if hearing loss is also present

• Relaxation techniques and stress reduction

Prioritize Your ENT Health

Taking care of your ear, nose, and throat health is vital—especially for men, who may face increased risks for certain conditions. If you or someone you love is experiencing symptoms like hoarseness, hearing loss, persistent sinus problems, or sleep disruptions, don’t ignore them.

Let this Men’s Health Month be the time to take action. Schedule a consultation with our ENT specialists today. We’re here to support your health with expert diagnosis, compassionate care, and customized treatment options.

Address: 3911 Hollywood Blvd#201, Hollywood, FL 33021, United States

Phone: 754-888-1368

Email: info@entfamily.com