Sex differences in the length of the organ of Corti in humans

Abstract

Sato et al. [Acta. Otolaryngol. 111 (6), 1037–1040 (1991)] reported that the human cochlea is, on average, 15% longer for males than females. This corresponds to 4.7mm in length and to 2.78 standard deviations (SD). Anatomical measurements of the lengths of cochleas from 148 heads (194 cochleas) from eleven sources are reviewed and summarized. A sex difference of 3.36% is observed. This corresponds to 1.11mm in length and to 0.49SD. The mean lengths of the male and female cochleas are approximately 34 and 33mm, respectively, and the population SD is 2.28mm. The statistical significance of the observed difference is questionable.

The ICF Core Sets for hearing loss – researcher perspective. Part I: Systematic review of outcome measures identified in audiological research

“…Sato et al, (1991) used a 3D imaginary technique to analyse the length of male and female cochleae and concluded that the male cochlea was, on average, approximately 14% longer than that of the female. However, these fi gures have been questioned, and comparative studies have been prompted to confi rm the results (Miller, 2007). In terms of the body function domain, several studies have observed differences between the two sexes.…”

Gelombang Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) pada Anak Dibawah Lima Tahun

“…8 Keadaan tersebut kemungkinan terjadi oleh karena perbedaan anatomi pada jaras pendengaran perifer, volume liang telinga pada laki-laki relatif lebih luas apabila dibandingkan dengan perempuan, 9 di samping itu koklea pada perempuan lebih pendek bila dibandingkan koklea laki-laki. 10,11 Hal tersebut dapat menyebabkan stimulus pada perempuan lebih cepat sampai, juga menyebabkan kekakuan pada membran basilaris dan dapat menyebabkan masa laten gelombang ABR timbul relatif lebih dini. 12 Data yang diperoleh dari penelitian ini juga memperlihatkan tidak terdapat perbedaan yang bermakna masa laten rata-rata dan masa laten antara gelombang ABR antara telinga kanan dan kiri, baik pada balita laki-laki maupun balita perempuan pada semua kelompok usia.…”

Loudness adaptation measured by the simultaneous dichotic loudness balance technique differs between genders

“…Several studies also reveal anatomical differences in the auditory system between genders. For example, Miller (2007) reviewed 11 studies examining 198 cochleae and found that, on average, male cochleae are longer than those of females by 3.36% or 1.1 mm. Although there is a broad literature on gender differences in hearing, we found no reports of gender differences in the perception of long-duration tones measured using either monaural or binaural techniques.…”