Estrogen Blockade Reduces Auditory Feedback in CBA Mice

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To examine the effects of estrogen suppression on age-related changes in distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) and contralateral suppression (CS) of DPOAEs in CBA mice. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: Young CBA mice received a slow-release shoulder implantation of either tamoxifen or placebo. Serial DPOAEs and CS of DPOAEs were obtained at 3-week intervals over a period of 9 weeks. RESULTS: Although DPOAEs were maintained over the study interval, CS of DPOAEs decreased significantly with age in the experimental group. No such declines were observed in either the control animals or the untreated male mice. CONCLUSIONS: Estrogen suppression negatively affects the MOC efferent feedback system. SIGNIFICANCE: Our results support the hypothesis that estrogen plays an important role in the maintenance of auditory integrity. Additionally, our findings raise intriguing questions about auditory effects of hormonal shifts in humans resulting from menopause, hormone supplements such as oral contraceptives, and hormone replacement therapy as well as antiestrogens.