Comparison of Neurophysiological Parameters Between Menstruating and Menopausal Females at Different Frequencies

An important impact of gonadal hormones on the auditory pathway has been found. Few neurophysiological research study has been done during different phases of menstrual cycle and menopause. This study was conducted to compare the brainstem auditory evoked potential (BAEP) between menstruating females during the follicular phase and the menopausal group.

This was a case-control study. Group 1 included n = 30 menstruating females in the follicular phase and aged between 18 and 25 years. Group 2 included 30 menopausal females and aged between 42 and 50 years. For analysis, Student's unpaired t-test and Chi-square test were applied. BAEP recording was done using standard protocol. Mean wave latencies: I, III, and V and interpeak latencies (IPLs): I-III, III-V, and I-V were recorded.

Mean ± standard deviation of absolute latencies (ALs) of brainstem auditory evoked potential (BERA) waves III and V and all IPL at 80 dB and 2, 4, 6 KHz in Group 2 menopausal females were delayed and significant as compared to Group 1 menstruating females. All parameters were highly significant at 6 KHz as compared to 2 KHz in menopausal Group 2.

Brainstem audiometry evoked potential detects hearing loss early in menopausal females at higher frequencies, i.e. at 6 KHz, due to a decrease in estrogen level.