Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 9, 2026

Behavioral Assessment of Hearing in 2 to 4 Year-old Children: A Two-interval, Observer-based Procedure Using Conditioned Play-based Responses
Published on: January 23, 2017
Effects of the menstrual cycle on the human acoustic reflex threshold
Abstract:
Contralateral acoustic reflex thresholds (ARTs) were determined daily in 10 normal women and 10 men, aged 18-24, in response to a broad-band noise, over a 32-day period. Mean ARTs for men vs women over the period differed by only 1.55 db, but for women a stimulus level of about 6 db more was required to elicit ART over Days 1-6 of the menstrual cycle than over Days 7-26 (p less than .01). There was furthermore an increase in sensitivity in the luteal phase (Days 15-19) of the cycle. It appears that the changes in ART throughout the cycle mirror, and may reflect, concomitant changes in the hormonal (estrogen and progesterone) levels. Changes in ART over the cycle may thus be explained by hypothesizing that the ART is an aspect of sensorineural behavior affected by hormonal concentrations to which a number of other auditory phenomena are known or thought to be related.
Related Concept Videos
Hormonal Regulation of the Menstrual Cycle
At puberty, GnRH begins a pulsatile release pattern, which triggers the anterior pituitary gland to secrete follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). The frequency and amplitude of GnRH pulses vary across the menstrual cycle, with faster pulses favoring LH release and slower pulses favoring FSH release.
Ovarian Cycle
The Menstrual Cycle
The menstrual phase occurs from days 1 to 5 and involves the shedding of the stratum functionalis, as a uterine...
Menses Phase
When fertilization does not occur, the corpus luteum deteriorates, causing a significant drop in the levels of estrogen and progesterone in the body. This hormonal decrease triggers the release of prostaglandins, which cause the uterine...
Secretory Phase
Following ovulation, the corpus luteum, a temporary endocrine structure, produces progesterone and estrogens. These hormones stimulate the growth and coiling of endometrial...
Signs of Puberty

