Auditory brainstem responses in women: influence of Body Mass Index.

Background: The studies on malnutrition/obesity and hearing argued that there may be a relationship between malnutrition/obesity and hearing loss, although many used behavioral measurements.

Aims/objectives: To investigate Auditory Brainstem Responses (ABR) in women by considering Body Mass Index (BMI).

Material and methods: A total of 60 females (n = 120 ears) between the ages of 18-40 years participated. All subjects had normal hearing, and they were grouped under three BMI categories (weak, ideal weight and overweight). ABR recorded with Click and CE-Chirp stimuli at 80-60 dB nHL intensity levels. Absolute latencies and inter- peak latencies of waves I, III and V were evaluated. Right-left ears results and the stimulus type (Click or CE-Chirp) were considered.

Results: Mainly, wave V absolute latency and I-V inter-peak latency were longest in subjects who were overweight. No interpretable differences were noted between the ears (p > 0.05). Regarding the stimulus type (Click or CE-Chirp), significant differences were observed in all BMI groups (p < 0.05).

Conclusions and significance: The ABR, which are affected by many other factors, are also directly related to BMI. The importance of taking BMI into consideration when creating normative data in ABR measurements and/or using ABR in clinics is emphasized. The stimulus type caused significant differences.