It’s no secret that growing older can be taxing on the body, and this is especially true during perimenopause, when levels of estrogen and progesterone decline.

One of the odd effects this may have on health during this time is hearing loss. Data suggest that declines in these hormones may play a role in hearing loss and help to explain differences between the sexes, according to a College of Medicine study published in the American Journal of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Medicine and Surgery.

The study, led by Robert Sataloff, a professor and chair of Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery in the College of Medicine, found that estrogen alters auditory brainstem response (ABR) values, indicating the need for new normative values for postmenopausal women who are not receiving estrogen replacement.

“Age alone is not sufficient for determination of normative values without considering gender,” Sataloff explains.

“There is a great deal people can do to protect their hearing as they age. Estrogen replacement should be considered when it is not contraindicated.”

—Robert Sataloff

Estrogen has a natural protective effect on the auditory system which begins to deteriorate after estrogen declines. While the exact physiology is unknown, hormone replacement therapy appears to protect against this phenomenon. However, further research is needed to fully understand these mechanisms.

The study highlights the importance of estrogen and its signaling pathways in maintaining normal hearing. Previous research has shown that estrogen is protective, but this study is unique in investigating the effects of estrogen deprivation on ABR responses.

To prevent hearing loss, especially as individuals approach middle age, Sataloff recommends avoiding loud noise and considering estrogen replacement when medically appropriate. He also notes the growing body of research on nutraceutical modulation to reduce oxidative stress, which shows promise for both age-related and noise-induced hearing loss.