Auditory Thresholds in Adrenal Cortical Insufficiency

Abstract

It has been previously shown that patients with untreated adrenal cortical insufficiency (ACI) exhibit decreased detection thresholds for taste and smell. These thresholds return to normal after treatment with carbohydrate-active steroids (CAS) is instituted. The purpose of the present study was to compare auditory detection thresholds in eight patients with ACI, aged 14–57, with those in 25 normal volunteers, aged 18–61. Sinusoidal tones of different frequencies were presented by a calibrated oscillator, attenuator, earphone system, and thresholds determined by the method of limits. Auditory detection thresholds in patients with ACI were significantly lower than those in normal subjects over most of the frequency range, but especially in the region 1000–2000 Hz. Increased detection sensitivity was found in all patients, irrespective of age; it appeared independent of changes in extracellular sodium or potassium. Decreased auditory thresholds returned to normal in all patients after CAS therapy was reinstated. Results indicate that CAS play a significant role in control of auditory sensitivity.