Baton Rouge Hearing Loss May Be Related to Vitamin D Loss

”What did you say?” Does this sound familiar when talking with your older parents or grandparents (and sometimes your children)? Hearing loss is so common. It’s almost an inescapable issue as we get older. Does it have to be that way? Researchers are studying it, and Spine & Sports Rehab Center is following the study to incorporate into our nutrition care! Vitamin D deficiency is again deemed a culprit in this aging side-effect.

HEARING LOSS IN ADULTS

Many older Baton Rouge adults experience hearing loss. It’s annoying, but new research provides some direction on how to possibly prevent it. A set of researchers indicated that older folks are at risk of hearing loss and osteoporosis. Vitamin D levels are considered in both conditions. Bone mineral density and hearing loss have been associated in the research. These researchers revealed that low vitamin D levels were associated to low-frequency and speech-frequency hearing loss as were 1-unit decreases in femoral neck BMD and total spine BMD. (1) An additional study of participants with no 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 proposed that patients with these vitamin deficiencies should also be tested for cochlear function. (2) Spine & Sports Rehab Center suggests starting with a test of your vitamin levels!

HEARING LOSS IN CHILDREN

In children with vitamin D deficiency, 53.4% experienced hearing loss with 17% experiencing moderate-profound hearing loss. These children (as well as children with low calcium levels) were more likely to experience 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 noted. Children with low calcium levels were also at increased risk of moderate-profound hearing loss. (3) Spine & Sports Rehab Center looks out for the kids, too. Their vitamin levels and hearing need checking, too!

SUDDEN ONSET HEARING LOSS AND VITAMIN D DEFICIENCY

Sudden Sensory Neural Hearing Loss is another subclass of hearing loss that requires special attention in children and adults. When this type of hearing loss is encountered, steroids are a typical treatment. Patients with sufficient vitamin D levels recovered completely. 87.5% of vitamin D deficient patients and 12.5% of patients with insufficient vitamin D levels did not react in any way. Vitamin D was more obvious in SSNHL patients than healthy patients. (4) Vitamin D is so important!

CONTACT Spine & Sports Rehab Center

Listen to this PODCAST with Dr. James Cox on The Back Doctors Podcast with Dr. Michael Johnson as he describes the role of nutrition in the care of the disc and spine in The Cox® Technic System of Spinal Pain Management.

Make your Baton Rouge chiropractic appointment now. Whether you are sick of being the one asking “Huh?” or answering “Huh?,” you and your vitamin D levels are important to us! Let us check them out for your hearing loss risk and your risk of osteoporosis’ sake.

 
Spine & Sports Rehab Center presents recent research about low vitamin D levels and hearing loss.  
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"This information and website content is not intended to diagnose, guarantee results, or recommend specific treatment or activity. It is designed to educate and inform only. Please consult your physician for a thorough examination leading to a diagnosis and well-planned treatment strategy. See more details on the DISCLAIMER page. Content is reviewed by Dr. James M. Cox I."