Evaluation of auditory perception in women during menstrual cycle: a systematic review

Abstract

Introduction: Hormonal fluctuations that normally occur during the menstrual cycle can interfere with the audio system. The change most found in this period is the reduction of auditory acuity, which seems to be more related to fluctuating estrogen levels, when it is reduced in the luteal phase of the menstrual period end. Objective: Investigate through a systematic review hearing in women during the menstrual cycle phases. Method: A search was made in the electronic databases, national and international, LILACS, MEDLINE, PubMed and SciELO, by consulting the following descriptors: “auditory perception” and “menstrual cycle”, “speech perception” and “menstrual cycle”, “speech perception” and “hormones” and their corresponding in Portuguese. Results: Twenty-two articles were found, but only 7 articles were chosen after the criteria for inclusion and exclusion. The amount of the sample of selected articles ranged between 15 and 39 women, aged between 17 and 46 years old. In most articles, any type of medical procedure to estimate the phases of the menstrual cycle was used. The performance of auditory perception tests in the seven selected articles was observed, highlighted with the dichotic tests. Conclusion: There is a need of further research on the subject, demanding a greater methodological rigor in the preparation of these studies, through clinical safe and standardized to measure hormone levels procedures.