The hormone estrogen has been linked to how the brain processes sounds. It plays a large role in how the brain collects and interprets auditory information.
Estrogen carries brain signals. Low levels may result in noises not being fully processed.
There is a connection with hearing and low levels of estrogen, especially in menopausal women. The hormone causes more sensitivity to sound-processing neurons. If these functions are not able to process, the brain becomes less likely to learn or create memories of these sounds.
This is the first discovery of a sex hormone affecting an auditory function, creating the possibility that it could have an influence on other sensory functions, as well.