Endocrine-Auditory Interactions: A Comprehensive Review of Hormonal Effects on Auditory Physiology and Pathology

Nasrin  Gohari; Sepideh Ghasemi  Ranjbar; Mahdi  Khoshfetrat

doi:10.18502/avr.v35i2.21196

Nasrin Gohari Hearing Disorders Research Center, Avicenna Institute of Clinical Sciences, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
Sepideh Ghasemi Ranjbar Department of Audiology, School of Rehabilitation, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
Mahdi Khoshfetrat Department of Audiology, School of Rehabilitation, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/avr.v35i2.21196

Keywords: Auditory system; hormone; endocrine glands

Abstract

Background and Aim: Hormones have various effects on different parts of the body,including the auditory system. This study aimed to review the effects of various hormoneson the auditory system.

Recent Findings: Various hormones, including estrogen, progesterone, prolactin,oxytocin, aldosterone, growth hormone, dopamine, Thyroxine (T4), Triiodothyronine (T3),parathyroid hormone, cortisol, norepinephrine, insulin, and melatonin, affect the auditorysystem. Estrogen, aldosterone, norepinephrine, melatonin, and oxytocin have a protectiveeffect against noise. Growth hormone has a positive impact on the development of hair cells.High or low levels of thyroid hormones and low levels of parathyroid hormone, insulin,melatonin, and dopamine can cause sensorineural hearing loss. High levels of cortisol cancause tinnitus and hyperacusis. Also, the presence of prolactin is related to early-onsetpresbycusis in women.

Conclusion: Hormones play an important role in the function of the auditory system andcan affect the development and maturation of auditory structures and their function. Anydisruption in hormonal balance may lead to temporary or permanent changes in the auditorysystem.