Effects of tibolone on auditory brainstem responses in postmenopausal women - a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

Objective: To investigate the influence of tibolone, a synthetic steroid, i n modifying auditory brainstem response (ABR) in postmenopausal women. Design: Prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Setting: Outpatient menopausal clinic in a university hospital. Patient(s): Twenty-four healthy postmenopausal women. Intervention(s): Administration of either tibolone or placebo for 12 weeks; evaluation of ABR and hormone levels before and after treatment. Main Outcome Measure(s): Changes in auditory brainstem response latencies. Result(s): Comparison of the ABR latency data from the two treatment groups showed a significant decrease in wave II, III, and V peak latencies in wom en receiving tibolone. No significant differences in pretreatment and postt reatment circulating hormone concentrations were observed between the tibol one and placebo group. Furthermore, there was no significant increase in ho rmone levels in either of the groups at 12 weeks. Conclusion(s): Our findings show an improvement in auditory function via br ainstem auditory neural pathways sensitive to tibolone in postmenopausal wo men. Tibolone may offer new therapeutic strategies in otologic disorders. ( Fertil Steril(R) 1999;72:885-8. (C)1999 by American Society for Reproductiv e Medicine.).