Alternative hormone therapy can affect hearing

Thousands of menopausal women who are treated with hormone replacement therapy are at risk of hearing loss. The study, led by Dr. Robert Frisina of the University of Rochester, claims that these women have more hearing difficulties than women who do not use this therapy or just use oestrogene.

Studies conducted in 124 menopausal women treated with progesterone replacement therapy confirmed they had a disorder in the inner ear. The study authors recommend that these women should have an ear examination. They confirmed that this issue should be included in the list of side effects of hormone replacement therapy.

Other therapies also contain progesterone, especially in birth control pills. Scientists say research is needed to test the effects of birth control pills on hearing. So far no relationship has been recorded.

Dr. Wendy Klein of the University of Viriginia Commowealth confirmed that the number of women taking progesterone in the study was too small (32 people), so it was impossible to determine the results.

The University of Rochester team will monitor women who have stopped taking hormone replacement therapy to find out if their hearing can be improved.