Role of sex hormones produced during menstrual cycle on brainstem encoding of speech stimulus

Abstract

There are no studies attempted to determine the effects of different phases of menstrual cycle on frequency following response (FFR) for speech stimuli. The aim of the study was to determine the differences in latencies and amplitude of FFR waves recorded at four phases of menstrual cycle. In addition, it was also attempted to determine if there is any ear effect on latency and amplitude measures across the phases of menstrual cycle. FFR was recorded in 20 females in the age range of 18-25 years in the four menstrual cycles [Phase I-menses (day 1-3), Phase II-proliferative phase (day 11-14), Phase III-mid-luteal phase (day 17-22) and Phase IV-pre-menstrual phase (day 25-27)]. The results of the study showed that there was significant reduction in latencies and slight increase in amplitude during menses and mid-luteal phase compared to mid-cycle and pre-menstruation cycles. The present study supports the hypothesis that difference in the levels of sex hormones in women during menstrual cycle can affect brainstem encoding of speech stimuli.

Association Between Sex and Speech Auditory Brainstem Responses in Adults, and Relationship to Sex Hormone Levels

“…Increased ABR wave V peak latencies have been found to be associated with elevated levels of E2 or testosterone [35]. The latest research shows that differences in the levels of sex hormones throughout the menstrual cycle can affect women’s brainstem encoding of speech stimuli [20]. Effects of gonadal hormones, such as testosterone, progesterone, and E2, on language have also been suggested [36].…”

“…Sex differences in speech ability have been also suggested to be related to reproductive hormones [5]. The latest research further shows that differences in the levels of sex hormones in women during the menstrual cycle can affect the brainstem encoding of speech stimuli [20]. It is well known that the concentration of reproductive hormones fluctuates throughout different stages of life.…”

Gender differences in binaural speech-evoked auditory brainstem response: are they clinically significant?

“… 31 , 32 Even though controversial, factors such as smaller head size, less brain volume, less skull thickness, shorter fiber tracks, shorter cochlear length and hormonal influence have been suggested as the possible contributors to the robustness of ABR waveforms in females. 1 , 6 , 11 , 12 , 13 , 32 , 33 It is worth noting that the peak amplitudes and composite onset measures (V/A amplitude and V/A slope) of speech-ABR revealed stronger gender effects than the peak latencies. Since inferential statistical analyses (i.e.…”

Hearing Performance in the Follicular-Luteal Phase of the Menstrual Cycle

“…Based on the report, a lower level of estradiol serum improves hearing sensitivity in postmenopausal women. Estrogen-mediated postmenopausal women have a better hearing sensitivity than women who have not used estrogen [13, 15]. The effectiveness of some drugs has been confirmed in reducing and improving the symptoms of women.…”