Reduced binaural masking release in women with migraine despite normal hearing: a case-control study

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Cırık A. A., Yiğit Koçer Y. E., MUTLU F., Doğan R., Avcı S. G., Men M.

Frontiers in Neuroscience, cilt.20, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 20
  • Basım Tarihi: 2026
  • Doi Numarası: 10.3389/fnins.2026.1876406
  • Dergi Adı: Frontiers in Neuroscience
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, BIOSIS, EMBASE, Psycinfo, Directory of Open Access Journals, Natural Science Collection (ProQuest), Biological Science Database (ProQuest)
  • Anahtar Kelimeler: auditory brainstem, binaural interaction, central auditory processing, masking level difference, migraine
  • Açık Arşiv Koleksiyonu: AVESİS Açık Erişim Koleksiyonu
  • Kocaeli Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

Introduction – Migraine is a neurological disorder associated with altered sensory processing, including auditory hypersensitivity. Although peripheral hearing is typically normal, central auditory mechanisms—particularly binaural interaction—may be affected. The masking level difference (MLD) test evaluates binaural processing at the level of the auditory brainstem. Methods – This case-control study included 30 female patients with migraine and 35 age-matched healthy controls. All participants had normal otoscopic findings, type A tympanograms, and normal pure-tone thresholds. MLD testing was performed at 500 Hz. and 60 dB under homophasic (S0N0) and antiphasic (SπN0, S0Nπ) conditions. MLD values were calculated as the difference between homophasic and antiphasic thresholds. Group comparisons and ANCOVA were conducted. Results – Pure-tone thresholds were within normal limits but significantly higher in the migraine group (p < 0.001). No significant difference was observed in S0N0 thresholds. However, SπN0 and S0Nπ thresholds were significantly elevated in patients (p < 0.001). Accordingly, both MLD indices (S0N0–SπN0 and S0N0–S0Nπ) were significantly reduced in the migraine group (p < 0.001), and these differences remained significant after controlling for pure-tone averages. Conclusion – Migraine patients demonstrate reduced binaural masking release despite normal peripheral hearing, suggesting impaired brainstem-level binaural processing. These findings support altered central auditory function in migraine and may reflect broader subcortical sensory dysfunction.