HRT Linked to Hearing Loss in
Older Women

Hearing loss is common among older adults. And, at least for older women, hormones—specifically progestin—may play an important role in hearing ability.

In a small study, women ages 60 to 86 had their hearing tested. Those taking combination hormone replacement therapy (HRT)—both estrogen and progestin—had the lowest scores. They had poorer hearing than did either women taking estrogen alone or women who used no HRT.

If you take combination HRT, talk with your doctor about any changes in your hearing.

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Vol. 103, No. 38