Running News Daily

How to handle—and prevent—this increasingly prevalent quality-of-life condition.

Last winter, I was one of eight people on a Sunday long run. We spent most of the run in four groups of two. When I got home and my wife asked about the run, I said I’d spent most of it beside Erin, an ob-gyn who loves to discuss books. My wife asked about Erin’s recent work and reading list. I said I didn’t really know, even though we’d just spent more than an hour talking with each other. That is, unfortunately, the norm for me on group runs. I have a form of severe hearing loss One manifestation is that it’s extraordinarily difficult for me to follow a conversation when there’s competing background noise. That includes restaurants and movies with music atop dialogue. But it also means something like that group long run, where Erin and I were sandwiched by lively conversations ahead of and behind us.

Hearing loss intrudes on nearly every aspect of my life. Some consequences are trivial (not hearing beeps from my running watch), some are moderately annoying (always seeking the quietest parts of public spaces), and some are depressing (regularly missing sounds and experiences that bring joy to others). There’s also the knowledge that my hearing is likely to continue to deteriorate, which puts me at risk for other conditions that could further erode my quality of life.

As the world gets increasingly louder, hearing loss is a growing problem. Here’s what it’s like to be a runner with hearing loss, what can be done about it, and, probably most importantly, how to lower your risk of winding up like me.

Running and Hearing Loss

Running’s health benefits are extensive and, in some cases, unexpected: Did you know that runners tend to have fewer cataracts and are less likely to develop glaucoma? Unfortunately, there’s no evidence that regular running helps lessen your chances of developing hearing loss. Indeed, as we’ll see, one key aspect of many runners’ routines can elevate their risk.

The most common type of hearing loss is sensorineural, in which there’s permanent damage to the inner ear or the nerve that connects the ear to the brain. Noise exposure and age are the two leading causes of sensorineural hearing loss. Between the din of much modern life and an aging population, it’s not surprising that 15 percent of Americans 18 and older report trouble hearing. 

It’s also not surprising this is no longer just an older-person issue. “We’re seeing more kids high-school age with noise-induced hearing loss than in previous generations because it’s so prevalent to have things in your ears,” says Carissa McCauley, a runner and doctor of audiology at Rutland Regional Medical Center in Vermont. Research published last fall estimated that more than 1 billion people aged 12 to 34 are at risk of developing noise-induced hearing loss.

Hearing loss is inconvenient, for those with the condition and the people they try to communicate with, and, in some environments, unsafe. Untreated hearing loss increases your risk of cognitive and functional decline, social isolation, and depression, especially in middle age and beyond, according to Sarah Hill, a runner and audiologist who works for a hearing-aid manufacturer in Boston. McCauley adds that untreated hearing loss will likely get worse faster. 

One tricky aspect of hearing loss is that it’s insidious. Without regular testing, you’re left with subjective experiences of poor communication: the restaurant’s music was cranked, it’s loud inside a car on the highway, your partner likes to conduct conversations from two rooms away. It’s easy to convince yourself the mishearing was a one-off rather than part of an increasing pattern. This is a different form of coming to grips than, say, realizing words on a page or screen are blurry enough that you need glasses.

The cause and progression of my hearing loss are fairly typical. As I teen, I played drums while wearing maxed-out headphones several hours a week. In my 20s and 30s, I saw hundreds of indie rock shows in bedroom-sized clubs. I often had tinnitus for a day or two after these exposures. (Tinnitus is usually defined as high-pitched ringing in the ears, which is an adequate description of mine, but it can present in many ways.) The tinnitus became permanent around 15 years ago. Then I had increasing difficulty following nearby conversations in loud environments. Also, being in such environments started to cause days-long spikes in the severity of my tinnitus. Finally, I found myself straining to understand my wife from even a few feet away in our quiet house. 

Now, in my late 50s, I have profound loss at higher frequencies. This means not only that I miss out on things like bird songs and running watch beeps. I also struggle to distinguish certain higher-pitch consonants, such as “s,” “f,” and “h,” especially at the beginning of words. These problems compound when there’s a lot of background noise. It’s not that I can’t hear what others are saying as much as that I can’t quickly make out what’s being said. I guess at some words to see if they make sense in context. But by then people are on to the next sentence, and I’m still processing the previous one while trying to catch the gist of the current one and seeing if it’s reasonably linked to what I think the previous one was. It’s frustrating and exhausting. Sooner or later, I check out.

On runs, I often interject “uh huh” and “right” and “hmm” more in reaction to the tone of what others are saying than the content. If there’s reason to run single file, I scoot to the front to have any chance of following the conversation. If we’re running two abreast, I try to stay farther from traffic to lessen competing sound. If it’s just two or three of us, running with others can be my best hearing experience of the day. Rhythmic breathing tends to introduce pauses in conversation, giving me a better chance to process what’s being said. Large group runs are another matter. I’ve skipped many simply because I don’t feel like having to concentrate so hard just to follow along. 

Are you on the road to hearing loss? McCauley and Hill agree that tinnitus is a major warning sign that you’ve been overexposed to noise. “That ringing is noise-induced damage, whether it goes away quickly or two days later,” Hill says. McCauley says that if you experience tinnitus after a given environment, “next time you need to wear hearing protection or avoid it if you can.”

Another warning sign is what’s known as a temporary threshold shift. “That means your hearing sensitivity has declined,” McCauley says. “Everything seems temporarily muffled. That’s another blaring red flag that you were doing something damaging and probably need to stop doing that.”

Constant tinnitus merits getting a hearing test from a licensed audiologist. “Most folks who have tinnitus have some degree of tinnitus,” Hill says. Other signs that you’re a good candidate for a hearing test include:

You frequently ask people to repeat themselves. (Or the people you talk with the most say you keep asking them to repeat themselves.)

You struggle to follow conversations when there’s background noise, such as other conversations, music, an air conditioner, or a television.

You have a harder time understanding children and women, who tend to have higher-pitched voices. Losing the ability to distinguish higher-frequency sounds is often where hearing loss starts.

You turn up the television volume but still can’t understand everything.

You feel like you hear better in one ear than the other.

You have issues with balance or dizziness.

Runners’ Risks of Hearing Loss

In a 2016 Runner’s World survey, 61 percent of respondents said they listen to music or other audio while running. That’s great, given the research showing the performance benefits of running with music. But that can also be problematic if you pump up the volume too much.

“If you have any ringing in your ears after running with music, it’s absolutely too loud,” Hill says. “Also, if you notice that, outside of being tired from running, you’re mentally fatigued in conversations or having trouble paying attention to somebody, it’s probably too loud. Those are signs that your brain is a little overstimulated.”

These recommendations, which are valid at all times, deserve a running tweak: Research presented at a 2014 conference on noise and public health looked at temporary threshold shifts after people listened to music while not exercising, exercised while not listening to music, and listened to music while exercising. The threshold shifts were significantly greater after listening to music while exercising, and included losses at high frequencies. The researchers speculate that decreased blood flow to the cochlea (part of the inner ear with a key role in hearing) during exercise can compound the problems associated with noise alone.

“My thought is, it should be a little lower than you want it to be,” McCauley says about the proper volume for on-the-run audio. “I tell my active patients to put the volume where you want it, and then turn it down at least a click.” This lower setting comes with a safety bonus of greater awareness of what’s going on around you.

Hill offers another solution: bone conduction headphones, which are worn outside your ears and transmit sound while avoiding potential damage to your inner ear. “It’s really hard to make those too loud,” she says. “They kind of max out naturally, so there’s much less of a risk of overexposure to noise.” Hill also appreciates how bone conduction headphones give her greater environmental awareness in busy Boston.

Hearing Aids for Runners

I haven’t been completely forthright so far in this article. The examples of struggling to hear are accurate—if I’m not wearing my hearing aids.

I had my first hearing test in 2007, after two intercontinental flights in three days made my tinnitus constant and more pronounced. The audiologist told me I had mild hearing loss at high frequencies and that it was likely I’d need to learn how to live with the tinnitus. I then waited 10 years for a follow-up. That visit resulted in a prescription for hearing aids.

This part of my story is also typical. Hill says that, when she was in private practice, everyone she recommended hearing aids for should have gotten them earlier, usually by a factor of several years. It’s estimated that at least 28 million Americans who could benefit from hearing aids don’t have them. 

So why, as someone with hearing aids, did I struggle to hear my friend Erin during that large group run? Because I wasn’t in the habit of running with them at that point. The audiologist who fitted me with my first pair cautioned against getting them wet. When I told her I’m a ridiculously prolific sweater, she recommended not running with them. Over time, I wore them less and less in everyday life, because the inner ear portion made me feel like I was constantly being tickled by a Q-Tip.

This summer, I learned that, as with running shoes, a lot has changed with hearing aids in recent years. Water resistance is now a common feature. Smaller domes over the inner ear portion eliminate the tickling sensation. I’ve worn my new hearing aids on hours-long hikes and forgotten I had them in until I realized I was catching everything my wife said.

Most importantly, sound quality has improved dramatically. There was a metallic clang to what much of what I heard through my previous hearing aids. (Imagine water dripping on a taut piece of aluminum foil.) Now, I hear what I assume most people hear. Conversations are crisp. Music sounds full rather than compressed. I can sit on the patio and actually hear the birds and crickets that I know are just yards away. Restaurants are still annoyingly loud, but I can understand the people I’m with. 

The hearing aids I have, the Phonak Audeo Fit, are also noteworthy in how they reflect two demographic trends—people are getting hearing aids at younger ages, and people are staying active later in life. The Audeo Fit tracks heart rate, daily steps, and time spent in different exercise-intensity zones.

Like most modern hearing aids, the Audeo Fit can connect to phones, televisions, and other gadgets, and it has Bluetooth connectivity. The latter is great, if that’s your thing. But I mostly value them for the human connectivity. Erin, the next time we run together, I promise I’ll really listen.

Some victories are measured by finish times. Others are defined by the obstacles overcome simply to reach the starting line.

For American Paralympic swimmer Ali Truwit, completing the New York City Marathon represented far more than covering 26.2 miles. It was the culmination of an extraordinary journey of survival, resilience, and unwavering determination that began with a life-altering shark attack just two years earlier.

On a crisp November morning in 2025, Truwit crossed the iconic finish line wearing a carbon-fibre running blade, fulfilling a promise she had made while recovering in a hospital bed after losing her lower left leg. The emotional milestone marked another remarkable chapter in one of the most inspiring comeback stories in modern sport.

The road to that unforgettable finish began only days after Truwit celebrated a major personal achievement. In May 2023, she completed her first marathon in Copenhagen alongside her mother. Just ten days later, while enjoying a graduation trip to Turks and Caicos with former Yale swimming teammate Sophie Pilkinton, tragedy struck.

While the pair were snorkelling, a shark attacked Truwit, severely injuring her left leg. Displaying remarkable courage, the two swam approximately 55 metres back to their boat, where Pilkinton—then a medical student—quickly applied a tourniquet that stopped the bleeding and ultimately saved Truwit's life.

Doctors were forced to amputate her lower left leg on her 23rd birthday.

Even in the darkest moments of recovery, Truwit's determination never disappeared. Reflecting on having recently completed her first marathon, she joked with one of the first responders that at least she had managed to run a marathon before the attack. The responder's simple but powerful reply would remain with her throughout rehabilitation: "You'll run another one."

Those words became a source of hope during the long and demanding road back.

Only weeks after surgery, Truwit began learning to walk on a prosthetic limb before gradually returning to the swimming pool. The process was anything but straightforward. The water that had once been her sanctuary became a source of painful memories, yet she refused to allow fear to define her future.

Her relentless work ethic soon produced extraordinary results.

Less than 16 months after the attack, Truwit represented the United States at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, producing a sensational performance to claim both silver and bronze medals. Standing on the Paralympic podium was a powerful reminder of how far she had come in such a short period, and she dedicated those achievements to everyone who had helped save her life.

Still, another dream remained unfinished.

The New York City Marathon carried deep personal significance. It was not merely another endurance event but a symbolic return to the city where her life had changed forever. On November 2, 2025, she lined up in Staten Island accompanied by 13 family members and close friends, all proudly representing her nonprofit foundation, Stronger Than You Think. Among them was Pilkinton, the friend whose quick thinking had preserved her life on that unforgettable day in the Caribbean.

Together, they covered every mile of the marathon before celebrating an emotional finish that Truwit later described as being "over the moon."

Completing a marathon on a carbon-fibre running blade presents challenges far beyond those faced by able-bodied runners. The prosthetic demands greater strength from the hips, core, and remaining leg while requiring exceptional balance, coordination, and endurance. Truwit's preparation combined months of disciplined training, patience, and mental resilience as she effectively taught herself how to run again.

Her story extends well beyond medals and marathon finishes.

Inspired by her own recovery, Truwit founded Stronger Than You Think, a nonprofit organisation dedicated to helping individuals overcome physical and financial barriers following limb loss. Recognising that sports prosthetics can cost tens of thousands of dollars and are often not covered by insurance, the foundation provides financial assistance for prosthetic devices, supports water-safety education, and promotes opportunities within Paralympic sport.

The organisation has already helped provide more than 11 prosthetic limbs, delivered nearly $200,000 in direct support, and funded over 4,000 hours of water-safety lessons benefiting more than 700 young people.

Throughout her journey, Truwit has remained refreshingly honest about the emotional challenges that continue to accompany recovery. She has openly acknowledged that healing is an ongoing process and that grief can still come in waves. Rather than portraying an effortless comeback, she has demonstrated that resilience is built through persistence, even on the hardest days.

Her remarkable transformation resonates far beyond elite sport. While few people will ever experience the trauma she endured, countless runners and athletes understand the frustration of injury, disappointment, or rebuilding after adversity. Truwit's journey serves as a powerful reminder that recovery is rarely linear and that courage is often measured by the willingness to keep moving forward despite uncertainty.

Now looking ahead to the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games, Truwit continues to redefine what is possible. She is no longer known simply as the swimmer who survived a shark attack. She has become a Paralympic medallist, marathon finisher, advocate, and symbol of resilience whose story continues to inspire athletes around the world.

Her journey proves that while life can change in an instant, so too can the strength of the human spirit. Sometimes the greatest triumph is not returning to the person you once were, but discovering someone even stronger than you ever imagined possible.

Sprint and hurdles superstar Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone has entered an exciting new chapter in her remarkable life, welcoming her first child with husband Andre Levrone. The four-time Olympic champion and women's 400m hurdles world record holder announced the birth of their daughter, Savannah Michelle Levrone, who was born on Sunday, July 12, 2026.

The couple shared the joyful news with an emotional message celebrating the arrival of their daughter and expressing gratitude to everyone who supported them throughout the pregnancy. Sydney described Savannah as "our blessing and our joy," while expressing excitement and faith for the future that lies ahead for their growing family.

The announcement marks a deeply personal milestone for one of the most accomplished athletes of her generation. Renowned for redefining the women's 400m hurdles through a succession of record-breaking performances, McLaughlin-Levrone now embraces a new role beyond the track as a mother.

The timing of the announcement adds another layer of significance. Just days earlier, Sydney reflected on the 10th anniversary of qualifying for her first Olympic Games at only 16 years old—a breakthrough that launched one of the most decorated careers in modern athletics. Ten years later, her journey has come full circle with another life-changing milestone, underscoring that her greatest moments continue to extend beyond sporting success.

The arrival of Savannah Michelle Levrone has been met with an outpouring of congratulations from athletes, fans, and the wider sporting community, who have celebrated the couple as they begin this new chapter together. As Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone steps into motherhood, the athletics world will undoubtedly continue to follow her inspiring journey—both on and off the track.

Ethiopia's Tsige Gebreselama produced one of the standout road running performances of the season on Sunday, storming to victory at the prestigious Boilermaker Road Race 15K in Utica, New York, with a sensational course record of 47:29.

From the opening kilometers, Gebreselama controlled the race with remarkable composure and precision, maintaining a relentless pace that ultimately erased the previous course record and secured one of the fastest performances ever recorded on the historic course. Her commanding display further reinforced her reputation as one of the world's leading road and distance runners.

The Ethiopian celebration continued as Melknat Wudu crossed the finish line in second place in 47:44, completing a dominant one-two finish for her country. Kenya's Priscah Cherono claimed third in 48:14 after a determined effort, rounding out a world-class podium in a race featuring some of the finest distance runners on the international circuit.

The battle behind the podium remained fiercely competitive. Kenya's Everlyn Kemboi finished fourth in 48:28, narrowly ahead of compatriot Selah Busienei, who clocked 48:31 for fifth. Ethiopia's Netsanet Desta and Alem Nigus Tsadik followed in sixth and seventh respectively, while Kenya's Mercy Cherono secured eighth place.

American athletes also delivered encouraging performances on home roads. Veteran Stephanie Bruce finished ninth in 50:40, with Jackie Gaughan completing the top ten in 51:02 to cap a strong showing for the host nation.

Boilermaker Road Race 15K – Women's Top 10 Results

1. Tsige Gebreselama (Ethiopia) – 47:29 (Course Record)

2. Melknat Wudu (Ethiopia) – 47:44

3. Priscah Cherono (Kenya) – 48:14

4. Everlyn Kemboi (Kenya) – 48:28

5. Selah Busienei (Kenya) – 48:31

6. Netsanet Desta (Ethiopia) – 48:46

7. Alem Nigus Tsadik (Ethiopia) – 48:48

8. Mercy Cherono (Kenya) – 50:23

9. Stephanie Bruce (United States) – 50:40

10. Jackie Gaughan (United States) – 51:02

The women's race combined exceptional depth with remarkable speed, as several athletes broke the 49-minute barrier in a contest that showcased the global strength of elite road running. Gebreselama's record-breaking run now stands as a new benchmark in the rich history of the Boilermaker 15K, adding another memorable chapter to one of the United States' most celebrated road races.

Kenya's Alex Matata delivered a sensational performance to claim the men's title at the prestigious Boilermaker Road Race 15K in Utica, New York, producing a dominant run that underlined his growing reputation as one of the world's finest road racers.

Matata surged to victory in an outstanding time of 42:24, mastering the demanding course with a display of strength, speed, and tactical brilliance. His commanding performance secured a memorable triumph in one of the United States' most celebrated road races, adding another significant international victory to his career.

Kenya's success was further highlighted by Kiprono Sitonik, who produced an equally impressive run to finish second in 42:53, completing a remarkable one-two finish for the East African nation. South Africa's Adam Lipschitz rounded out the podium after clocking 43:14 to claim third place following a determined effort.

The race featured a highly competitive international field, with American athletes Reid Buchanan and Hillary Bor finishing fourth and fifth respectively, while another Kenyan, Victor Shitsama, added to his country's strong showing by taking sixth place.

Matata's victory once again showcased Kenya's enduring strength in global road racing, as its athletes continued to dominate major international competitions through exceptional endurance, tactical awareness, and relentless finishing speed. His performance in Utica not only thrilled the spectators lining the streets but also reinforced the depth of Kenyan distance running on the world stage.

Men's Top 10 Results – Boilermaker Road Race 15K

1. Alex Matata (Kenya) – 42:24

2. Kiprono Sitonik (Kenya) – 42:53

3. Adam Lipschitz (South Africa) – 43:14

4. Reid Buchanan (United States) – 43:38

5. Hillary Bor (United States) – 43:40

6. Victor Shitsama (Kenya) – 44:02

7. Futsum Zienasellassie (United States) – 44:32

8. Charlie Sweeney (United States) – 44:37

9. Sam Lawler (United States) – 44:54

10. Tyler Berg (United States) – 45:08

With another major road racing title added to his résumé, Alex Matata continued his impressive 2026 campaign while reinforcing his status as one of the leading names on the international road racing circuit. The Boilermaker 15K once again delivered a high-quality contest, with athletes from across the globe producing memorable performances in one of the United States' most prestigious road races.

Eliud Kipchoge's remarkable World Tour continued on Brazilian soil as the Kenyan marathon icon completed the New Balance 42K Porto Alegre Marathon, crossing the finish line in 2:18:39 to place 12th overall during the second stop of his ambitious seven-continent global running tour.

Competing against a strong international field, the two-time Olympic marathon champion displayed the resilience and determination that have defined his legendary career. While the result was not among the victories that have made him one of the greatest marathon runners in history, Kipchoge once again demonstrated the unwavering commitment that continues to inspire athletes and fans across the globe.

Morocco's Zineddine Ouria claimed victory in a superb 2:08:49, with Kipchoge finishing 9 minutes and 50 seconds behind the race winner after navigating the demanding course in Porto Alegre.

Kipchoge began the race with controlled and confident pacing, reaching 5km in 15:34 before passing the halfway mark in 1:05:07. As the race entered its decisive stages, the pace gradually slowed, but the veteran marathoner pressed on with characteristic determination, completing the 42.195-kilometre challenge in 2:18:39.

For many, the story will be told through the finishing position. But for those who truly understand greatness, this journey is about far more than medals, records, or podium finishes. Kipchoge's World Tour is a celebration of the sport itself—an opportunity to connect with runners across every continent, inspire the next generation, and continue living by the philosophy that has become synonymous with his career: "No Human Is Limited."

The Brazilian appearance also carried added significance, coming shortly after Kipchoge was permanently honoured in Porto Alegre with his footprints unveiled at the entrance of Parque Harmonia—a lasting tribute to his extraordinary impact on distance running and his enduring legacy in the sport.

Once a champion. Forever an inspiration. Legends do not stop inspiring when the victories become fewer; they inspire because they never stop showing up. Through every stride, every finish line, and every challenge embraced, Kipchoge continues to prove that true greatness is measured not only by what an athlete wins, but by the lives they touch along the way.

With the second stop of his World Tour now complete, Kipchoge will turn his attention to the next chapter of his global adventure when he lines up at the Melbourne Marathon in Australia this October. Wherever he races, millions will once again follow the journey of a man whose legacy extends far beyond the stopwatch.