Dichotic listening asymmetry: Sex differences and menstrual cycle effects

Wadnerkar, Meghana B., Whiteside, Sandra P. and Cowell, Patricia E. (2008) Dichotic listening asymmetry: Sex differences and menstrual cycle effects. Laterality, 13 (4). pp. 297-309. ISSN 1357-650X

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Abstract

The impact of menstrual cyclicity and sex differences on dichotic listening was studied in 25 women and 20 men (aged 20–25 years). Dichotic listening was administered using consonant-vowel (CV) stimuli and tested across three attention conditions. Women were tested at two points in the menstrual cycle (Day 2–5: low oestrogen and progesterone/Low-EP; Day 18–25: high oestrogen and progesterone/High-EP). Men were tested once. Performance averaged across attention conditions was analysed for menstrual cycle and sex effects. Significant menstrual cycle phase effects were observed in women. At the High-EP phase women showed a greater right ear advantage (REA) compared to the Low-EP phase. Sex differences were found when dichotic listening asymmetry in men was compared to women at the Low-EP, but not the High-EP phase. In contrast to laterality effects, baseline perceptual performance (total right plus left ear response) was similar in men and women at both phases of the menstrual cycle. Results support a role for ovarian hormones in shaping laterality of speech perception in women. This study also emphasises the importance of considering menstrual cycle effects when evaluating sex differences in dichotic listening.

Item Type:	Article
Faculty \ School:	Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Allied Health Professions (former - to 2013)
UEA Research Groups:	Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Research Groups > Rehabilitation Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Research Groups > Participation (former - to 2013) Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > Research Centres > Mental Health and Social Care (fka Lifespan Health)
Depositing User:	Users 2731 not found.
Date Deposited:	20 Aug 2012 14:53
Last Modified:	13 Oct 2025 06:32
URI:	https://ueaeprints.uea.ac.uk/id/eprint/39415
DOI:	10.1080/13576500701821106

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