New York City Hearing Loss May Be Related to Vitamin D Loss
”What did you say?” Does this sound familiar when chatting with your older parents or grandparents (and occasionally your children)? Hearing loss is so common. It is practically an inescapable issue as we age. Does it have to be that way? Researchers are studying it, and Rosenberg Wellness Center is following the work to incorporate into our nutrition care! Vitamin D deficiency is again considered a culprit in this aging side-effect.
HEARING LOSS IN ADULTS
Many older New York City adults experience hearing loss. It’s frustrating, but new research provides some direction on how to possibly prevent it. A group of researchers pointed out that older people are at risk of hearing loss and osteoporosis. Vitamin D levels are considered in both conditions. Bone mineral density and hearing loss have been linked. These researchers found that low vitamin D levels were linked to low-frequency and speech-frequency hearing loss as were 1-unit reductions in femoral neck BMD and total spine BMD. (1) Another study of participants without apparent hearing loss – 30 low in vitamin D, 30 low in vitamin B12, 30 controls – found that B12 and vitamin D deficiencies were significantly associated with cochlear ear health and function. It was recommended that patients with these vitamin deficiencies should also be examined for cochlear function. (2) Rosenberg Wellness Center proposes starting with a review of your vitamin levels!
HEARING LOSS IN CHILDREN
In children who have a deficiency of vitamin D, 53.4% had hearing loss with 17% experiencing moderate-profound hearing loss. These children (as well as children with low calcium levels) were more apt to have sensorineural hearing loss, a type of hearing loss that is less liable to improve over time. Children with vitamin D deficiency as well as a femur fracture, a significantly higher rate of hearing loss was seen. Children with low calcium levels were found to be at higher risk of moderate-profound hearing loss. (3) Rosenberg Wellness Center looks out for the kids, too. Their vitamin levels and hearing need testing, too!
SUDDEN ONSET HEARING LOSS AND VITAMIN D DEFICIENCY
Sudden Sensory Neural Hearing Loss is another subset of hearing loss that needs special attention in children and adults. When this kind of hearing loss occurs, steroids are a common treatment. Patients with sufficient vitamin D levels recovered completely. 87.5% of vitamin D deficient patients and 12.5% of insufficient vitamin D level patients did not respond in any way. Vitamin D was more obvious in SSNHL patients than healthy patients. (4) Vitamin D is so important!
CONTACT Rosenberg Wellness Center
Listen to this PODCAST with Dr. James Cox on The Back Doctors Podcast with Dr. Michael Johnson as he describes the nutritional care of the disc and spine in The Cox® Technic System of Spinal Pain Management.
Make your New York City chiropractic appointment now. Whether you are tired of being the one asking “Huh?” or answering “Huh?,” you and your vitamin D levels are of consequence to us! Let us test them out for your hearing loss risk and your risk of osteoporosis’ sake.
