[thedoc (OP)]

Janet Goodey"  asked the Naked Scientists:
   My husband aged 58 is going deaf and ever since I’ve known him (36years) he has tried to shut surrounding noise out when concentrating on something.  This could be anything such as reading or watching the television.  I wondered if the connection in his brain is diminishing because he has always tried to shut noise out.  Also is there any evidence that men go deaf earlier than women because most women I know don’t like to miss what’s going on around them.
   
  Janet
  Shalford
What do you think?

[Bored chemist]

Liking loud sound- in particular, loud music, can lead to early deafness so, if anything , I'd guess it was the other way round.