Sex and Gender Aspects in Vestibular Disorders: Current Knowledge and Emerging Perspectives—A Systematic Review

<b>Background/Objectives</b>: As precision medicine advances, attention to sex and gender determinants across epidemiological and clinical domains has intensified. However, in the audio-vestibular field, knowledge on sex- and gender-related aspects remains relatively limited. The main aim of this review has been to analyze the available gender medicine-based evidence in vestibular disorders. In particular, our investigation considered the following: (i) pathophysiology and clinical presentation, including differences in predominant signs and symptoms, diagnostic modalities and findings, underlying biological mechanisms associated with vestibular disorders across sex-specific groups; (ii) prognostic variables, including response to treatment, recovery rates, and long-term functional outcomes; (iii) the potential role of sex- and gender-specific diagnostic and therapeutic approaches in the management of vestibular disorders. <b>Methods</b>: Our protocol was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42025641292). A literature search was conducted screening PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science databases. After removal of duplicates and implementation of our inclusion/exclusion criteria, 67 included studies were identified and analyzed. <b>Results</b>: Several studies reported a higher incidence of vestibular dysfunctions among females, with proposed associations involving hormonal fluctuations, calcium metabolism and vitamin D. Estrogen receptors within the inner ear and their regulatory effects on calcium homeostasis have been proposed as potential mechanisms underlying these sex-specific differences. Furthermore, lifestyle factors, comorbidities and differential health-seeking behaviors between males and females may also modulate disease expression and clinical course. <b>Conclusions</b>: Gender-specific variables could not be independently analyzed because none of the included studies systematically reported gender-related data, representing a limitation of the available evidence. Current evidence suggests the presence of sex-related differences in the epidemiology and clinical expression of vestibular disorders, but substantial gaps remain regarding mechanisms, outcomes, and clinical implications. Future research should prioritize prospective, adequately powered studies specifically designed to assess sex and gender influences, integrating biological, psychosocial, and patient-reported outcomes, and adopting standardized sex- and gender-sensitive reporting frameworks.

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Journal
Diagnostics
Published
2026-01-08
DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics16020197
Primary Topic
Vestibular and auditory disorders
Type
article
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article

Sex and Gender Aspects in Vestibular Disorders: Current Knowledge and Emerging Perspectives—A Systematic Review

Andrea Frosolini, Giulio Badin, Chiara Pavone, Roberta Cenedese et al.
Diagnostics
Vestibular and auditory disorders
article

Sex and Gender Aspects in Vestibular Disorders: Current Knowledge and Emerging Perspectives—A Systematic Review

Andrea Frosolini, Giulio Badin, Chiara Pavone, Roberta Cenedese, Gino Marioni, Cosimo de Filippis, Leonardo Franz, Daniela Parrino, A. Vitturi, Elisabetta Zanoletti, Margherita Terenzani, Charles Nicholas Babb
article en

Abstract

<b>Background/Objectives</b>: As precision medicine advances, attention to sex and gender determinants across epidemiological and clinical domains has intensified. However, in the audio-vestibular field, knowledge on sex- and gender-related aspects remains relatively limited. The main aim of this review has been to analyze the available gender medicine-based evidence in vestibular disorders. In particular, our investigation considered the following: (i) pathophysiology and clinical presentation, including differences in predominant signs and symptoms, diagnostic modalities and findings, underlying biological mechanisms associated with vestibular disorders across sex-specific groups; (ii) prognostic variables, including response to treatment, recovery rates, and long-term functional outcomes; (iii) the potential role of sex- and gender-specific diagnostic and therapeutic approaches in the management of vestibular disorders. <b>Methods</b>: Our protocol was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42025641292). A literature search was conducted screening PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science databases. After removal of duplicates and implementation of our inclusion/exclusion criteria, 67 included studies were identified and analyzed. <b>Results</b>: Several studies reported a higher incidence of vestibular dysfunctions among females, with proposed associations involving hormonal fluctuations, calcium metabolism and vitamin D. Estrogen receptors within the inner ear and their regulatory effects on calcium homeostasis have been proposed as potential mechanisms underlying these sex-specific differences. Furthermore, lifestyle factors, comorbidities and differential health-seeking behaviors between males and females may also modulate disease expression and clinical course. <b>Conclusions</b>: Gender-specific variables could not be independently analyzed because none of the included studies systematically reported gender-related data, representing a limitation of the available evidence. Current evidence suggests the presence of sex-related differences in the epidemiology and clinical expression of vestibular disorders, but substantial gaps remain regarding mechanisms, outcomes, and clinical implications. Future research should prioritize prospective, adequately powered studies specifically designed to assess sex and gender influences, integrating biological, psychosocial, and patient-reported outcomes, and adopting standardized sex- and gender-sensitive reporting frameworks.

DiagnosticsVol. 16(2)
University Health Network (CA), University of Padua (IT), Ospedale di Circolo e Fondazione Macchi (IT), Ospedale Santa Maria alle Scotte (IT), Ca' Foncello Hospital (IT), Azienda Ospedale - Università Padova (IT), Nashville Oncology Associates (US), ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco (IT)
Openalex Percentile: Top 95%
Vestibular and auditory disorders
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