Effect of hormones on auditory processing abilities in females

Abstract

Introduction: Central auditory information processing is influenced by the changing hormonal levels across the menstrual cycle, which might affect auditory perception. The present study aimed to assess auditory processing abilities in females across different phases of the menstrual cycle. Methods: A total of 21 participants (11 females and 10 males) in the age range of 18 to 25 years were recruited in the study. Group 1 included 11 healthy female participants with a regular menstrual cycle and Group 2 included 10 healthy male participants. The participants were evaluated for all the major auditory processes to assess central auditory processing. Auditory closure was assessed through speech perception in noise test in Kannada; binaural integration was assessed through the dichoticconsonant vowel (CV) test. The temporal processing was assessed through a gap detection test (GDT) and working memory was assessed using a digit span test. The central auditory assessment in Group 1 was done during the three menstrual phases namely early follicular stage (days 1 to 3), late follicular and early luteal (days 12 to 14), and late luteal (days 23 to 26). In Group 2, the central auditory assessment was done three times with each trial separated by the same number of days equaling the different phases as in females. Results: Results showed no significant differences in dichotic CV test, speech perception in noise test, GDT and working memory test (P > 0.05) in both Groups 1 and 2. Conclusion: To conclude, there is no difference in central processing abilities across three different phases of the menstrual cycle.