Comparative Analysis of Brainstem Auditory Evoked Potential Patterns between Menstruating and Menopausal North Indian...

Various studies suggest a significant impact of gonadal hormones on many neuronal functions, including auditory processing. Although a few researchers have independently investigated the brainstem auditory evoked potential (BAEP) patterns during various phases of menstrual cycle and also during menopause, there is an acute paucity of comparative data between their BAEP patterns. This study was conducted to compare the BAEP patterns between normally menstruating females and menopausal females from North India.

A cross-sectional study was done on 90 females aged 17-21 years who were in the follicular phase of their menstrual cycle and 100 menopausal females aged 46-70 years. BAEP recording was done using standardized protocol. The data were analyzed using SPSS software. It contained mean wave latencies I, II, III, IV, V, and Interpeak Latencies (IPL) I-V, I-III, and III-V.

The mean values of latencies of waves I, III, and V and also of IPL I-III, I-V, and III-V were significantly higher (P > 0.05) in menopausal females. However, the difference between mean values of wave latencies II and IV of both groups was statistically non-significant (P > 0.05).

The increased latencies in menopausal females indicate subtle degenerative changes that start appearing within the central auditory pathway after menopause and are probably due to a decline in ovarian hormones, especially estrogen.