Gender-based differences in cardiovascular autonomic function tests among deaf children

Abstract

Background: Deafness is a social stigma and also due to various reasons, studies show deaf individuals have altered autonomic functions. In our study, we tried to look for gender differences in autonomic functions in deaf population. Aims and Objectives: Our aim is to study the autonomic function tests among the male and female deaf children. Materials and Methods: After obtaining ethical clearance, we conducted a cross-sectional study among deaf children with a sample size of 60 subjects, of which 30 were male and 30 were female. Cardiovascular autonomic function tests such as systolic blood pressure (SBP) response to immediate standing, BP response to cold pressor test, heart rate (HR) response to immediate standing expressed as 30:15 ratio, and HR response to deep breathing were performed and compared among the two groups. Statistical analysis was done using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences Software version: 22 and results are expressed in percentage and proportions. Results: The mean of SBP on immediate standing (108.93, P = 0.026) and difference of mean BP from supine to standing among male cases (5.13, P = 0.050) is significantly higher than female cases. The mean of 30:15 HR ratio on immediate standing from supine position among female cases (1.32) was significantly higher than male cases (1.25). Conclusion: Deaf individuals apart from having altered autonomic functions revealed from various studies also provide us with statistically significant results that there is a gender-based difference in the autonomic functions mostly accountable to difference in the baroreceptor sensitivity among males and females.