Medial Olivocochlear Functioning and Speech Perception in Noise in Individuals with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Abstract

Introduction: The current study aimed to evaluate the olivocochlear bundle functioning and speech perception in the presence of noise in females with Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Method: Twenty participants in the age range of 18-25 years were included in the study. They were equally divided into two groups: group 1 included females diagnosed with PCOS, and group 2 included healthy adult male participants. Medial olivocochlear (MOC) functioning was evaluated using contralateral suppression of transient otoacoustic emissions (TEOAE). In addition, speech perception in noise was assessed using a quick speech perception in noise test in Malayalam. Results: Results showed a significant difference for the TEOAE amplitude and signal to noise ratio (SNR) of TEOAEs in quiet and in the presence of contralateral noise and the speech perception in noise between the two groups. Also, no contralateral suppression was noted in the clinical group suggesting that MOC functioning is affected in individuals with PCOS. Conclusion: It can be concluded that medial olivocochlear bundle functioning and speech perception in noise is affected in individuals with PCOS, which can be attributed to the abnormality in the hormonal status of PCOS.