Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 25, 2025

Cryosectioning and Immunostaining Mouse Inner Ear Tissue: From Embryonic to Adult Stages
Published on: April 11, 2025
The association of sex steroid hormone concentrations with hearing loss: a cross-sectional study
Huifen Yang1, Jing Li1, Xinyuan Sun2
1Department of Otolaryngology, The Affiliated Jiangning Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, P.R. China.
Background:
Hearing loss is the most prevalent sensory disorder worldwide. Several studies have indicated that sex steroid hormone levels may be vital to hearing.
Objective:
We aimed to explore the associations between speech-frequency hearing loss and sex steroid hormones.
Methods:
We conducted a secondary analysis based on 3558 adult participants' data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2015 to 2016. We defined hearing loss as a pure-tone average (PTA) at 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 kHz ≥20 dB in the better ear. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the association between sex steroid hormones and hearing loss risk. A nomogram model for the risk of hearing loss was constructed.
Results:
There were 560 (15.7%) cases who had hearing loss among the participants enrolled in this study. Participants with hearing loss had a higher total testosterone level and a lower estradiol level. Individuals with estradiol levels in the highest tertile still had lower hearing loss risks than those in the lowest tertile. Nevertheless, the total testosterone level had no influence on the risk of hearing loss.
Conclusion:
Our research indicated that low estradiol concentrations were significantly associated with hearing loss, especially in menopausal women.
Related Concept Videos
Target Cell Response to Hormones
Notably, the cellular response can be regulated by altering the number of receptors expressed in the cell. For example, prolonged exposure to elevated hormone levels results in a gradual decline or down-regulation in the number of receptors for that specific hormone on the cell surface. Conversely, in response to low hormone levels, cells may use up-regulation, producing an...
Gonadal and Placental Hormones
In males, testosterone is the primary gonadal androgen. It plays a central role in the maturation of male reproductive organs — the penis and testes. Additionally, testosterone is instrumental in the development of secondary sexual characteristics — a deep voice as well as facial and pubic hair...
Menopause
Signs of Puberty
Hearing

