Sex Difference in Susceptibility and Resistance to Noise-Induced Hearing Loss in Chinchillas
Abstract
This report summarizes research conducted during the grant period 9/23/96-9/22/00. The overarching aim of the project was to identify factors associated with sex/gender that could impact military assignments and hearing conservation programs. These factors included sex differences in basic auditory sensitivity and susceptibility to noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL), sex differences in the ability to benefit from "sound conditioning" and pharmacologic treatment, and the effects of two endogenous steroid hormones, estradiol and progesterone, on susceptibility to NIHL. During the course of the project, we established the validity of the chinchilla as an animal model for investigating sex differences in hearing, and discovered several sex differences in auditory sensitivity and susceptibility to NIHL that are independent of noise exposure history and other confounding factors. Most notably, female chinchillas consistently developed less low- frequency hearing loss than males, even after sound conditioning. In addition, we established a clear relationship between levels of endogenous steroid hormones and susceptibility to NIHL. Females had higher and more variable levels of serum estradiol than males, and animals pre-treated with estradiol developed significantly less NIHL than controls. The results of our experiments have important implications for women and men in all branches of the military who are exposed to potentially harmful levels of noise.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2000
- Accession Number
- ADA387676
Entities
People
- Sandra L. Mcfadden
Organizations
- University at Buffalo