Effects of Hormonal changes on Temporal Perception and Speech Perception in Noise in Females

Abstract

The menstrual cycle is a cyclic fluctuation of ovarian hormonal level in females. Studies have shown that changes in gonadal steroids (estrogen and progesterone) can affect auditory abilities. In the present study, effect of hormonal changes on temporal processing and speech perception in noise in females (across three phases of the menstrual cycle) was studied. A total of 20 female participants with an average 28 days of regular menstrual cycle in the age range of 19-24 years were included in this study. Temporal abilities were assessed using gap detection test and modulation detection test and speech perception in noise was assessed through Quick-SIN in Kannada. All the participants were tested three times during a single menstrual cycle i.e., menstrual phase (cycle days of 1-5 days), ovulation phase (cycle days of 12-15 days) and luteal phase (cycle of 18-25 days). The results showed poorest gap detection and modulation detection threshold during the menstrual phase followed by luteal phase and significant better thresholds were obtained during the ovulation phase. Speech perception in noise test also showed a significant better threshold during ovulation and luteal phase compared to menstrual phase. To conclude, hormonal fluctuation affects temporal perception and speech perception in noise across the menstrual cycle and better thresholds were noted during the ovulation phase. Further, the present study highlights the importance of considering the different phases of menstrual phase while studying the female participants.