[Hormonal Influence on Hearing]

Overview

Journal HNO

Specialty Otorhinolaryngology

Date 2021 Mar 16

PMID 33725160

Authors

J M Vahl

E Goldberg-Bockhorn

T K Hoffmann

M C Wigand

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Background: Hearing loss leads to impairments in communication, social interactions, and cognitive functions. This renders early treatment particularly important. A causal therapy is not yet available. Human and animal studies have shown that certain hormones can have a positive effect on hearing.

Objective: This review provides an overview of the effects of various hormones on hearing and describes the potential benefit for future therapeutic approaches.

Materials And Methods: A systematic literature review of reviews dealing with the effects of various hormones on hearing in humans and animals published in PubMed between 2015 and 2020 was conducted.

Results: Hormones may mediate antiapoptotic effects on structure-relevant cells of the cochlea and auditory pathway, and may influence hair cell functionality or the electrolyte balance of the endo- and perilymph. Current research focuses on glucocorticoids; the mineral corticoid aldosterone; the sex hormones estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone; the growth hormones GH (growth hormone) and IGF‑1 (insulin-like growth factor 1); thyroid hormones; and insulin. Study results are still inconsistent at this time, but various hormones appear to represent a possible future treatment option for acute hearing loss. Long-term hormone treatment, which would be necessary particularly in the case of age-related hearing loss, does not currently represent a sensible course of action due to the side effect profile of the systemic treatment/lack of practicable topical application options.

Conclusion: The mode of action of hormones is complex. Whether they can be used in the future for individualized treatment of patients with acute hearing impairment requires further investigation.

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