GENDER-SPECIFIC EFFECTS OF MEDICINAL DRUGS ON HEARING LEVELS OF OLDERPERSONS

As part of a large-scale study of presbyacusis, responses to a medicin al drug questionnaire from 85 female and 126 male human subjects were analyzed. Medicinal drugs were divided into 35 categories based on the ir pharmacologic effects. Subjects' ages ranged from 60 to 82 years. A t least 10% of subjects reported taking drugs in 14 of 35 categories. Results were significantly different between female and male subjects. In men, none of the 14 categories showed a statistically significant relation to the pure-tone average (PIA) of 500, 1000, 2000, and 4000 H z. In women, 3 of the 14 categories showed a statistically significant relation to the PTA. First, the average PTA of female subjects taking beta-adrenergic medication was 20 dB higher (poorer) than those not t aking beta-adrenergic medication. Second, women taking antihistamine/c old preparations had an average PTA 9 dB higher (poorer) than those no t taking antihistamine/cold preparations. Third, the average PTA of wo men taking calcium-channel blockers (CCBs) was 12 dB lower (better) th an those not taking CCBs. In men, however, these drugs produced effect s on the PTA of less than 3 dB. Differences between women and men were not explainable by differences in age or hearing level.