The effect of premature ovarian failure on inner ear function

Abstract

The aim of this study was to test whether hearing function is impaired in women with premature ovarian failure. Thirty (30) women with premature ovarian failure (POF), 30 women in menopause and 30 healthy controls were recruited in this study. Pure tone audiometric (PTA), transiently evoked otoacoustic emissions (TEOAEs) and distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) of the study participants were analysed. At PTA, 6 and 8 kHz were lower in menopause group compared with both women with POF and controls. At TEOAE 3 and 4 kHz and at DPOAE 1, 2, 4 and 6 kHz were lower in menopause group compared with the controls. At DPOAE 6 kHz was lower in the POF group compared with the controls. Women with POF comparing to menopause group at TEOAE 3, 4 kHz and at DPOAE 4 and 6 kHz were lower in the menopause group. Inner ear function of both women in menopause and women with POF was declined compared to the healthy controls. Clinically, evaluation of hearing status may be considered in women with POF.

Impact statement

• What is already known on this subject: Premature ovarian failure (POF) affects 1%–2% of women, and it adversely effects on health status (such as cardiovascular, psychological and cognitive disorders). Previous studies suggested that a lack of oestrogen might play a role in hearing disorders in women. However, we do not know POF’s adversely effect on cochlea and hearing.

• What the results of this study add: The present study demonstrates that lower serum oestrogen has a negative effect hearing in women with POF at DPOAE 6 kHz.

• What the implications are of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research: The women with POF must be evaluated for hearing status.

Keywords:

• Inner ear
• menopause
• otoacoustic emission
• premature ovarian failure

Acknowledgements

This paper is not presented anywhere. There is no financial support or funding in this study.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.