Vancouver Hearing Loss May Be Related to Vitamin D Loss
”What did you say?” Does this sound typical when talking with your older parents or grandparents (and sometimes your kids)? Hearing loss is so common. It is almost a foregone conclusion as we age. Does it have to be though? Researchers are studying it, and Vancouver Disc Centers is following the study to incorporate into our nutrition care! Vitamin D deficiency is again considered a culprit in this side-effect of aging.
HEARING LOSS IN ADULTS
Many older Vancouver adults suffer hearing loss. It is annoying, but new research provides some direction on how to possibly avert it. A group of researchers pointed out 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 found that low vitamin D levels were linked 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 without apparent hearing loss – 30 low in vitamin D, 30 low in vitamin B12, 30 controls – documented 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 checked for cochlear function. (2) Vancouver Disc Centers suggests starting with a test of your vitamin levels!
HEARING LOSS IN CHILDREN
In children with a deficiency of vitamin D, 53.4% experienced hearing loss with 17% experiencing moderate-profound hearing loss. These children (as well as children with low calcium levels) were more apt to experience sensorineural hearing loss, a type of hearing loss that is less likely 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 increased risk of moderate-profound hearing loss. (3) Vancouver Disc Centers looks out for the kids, too. Their vitamin levels and hearing need evaluating, 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 sort of hearing loss is encountered, steroids are a typical treatment. Patients with adequate vitamin D levels recovered fully. 87.5% of vitamin D deficient patients and 12.5% of insufficient vitamin D level patients did not react in any way. Vitamin D was more obvious in SSNHL patients than healthy patients. (4) Vitamin D is so important!
CONTACT Vancouver Disc Centers
Listen to this PODCAST with Dr. James Cox on The Back Doctors Podcast with Dr. Michael Johnson as he illustrates the role of nutrition in the care of the disc and spine in The Cox® Technic System of Spinal Pain Management.
Make your Vancouver chiropractic appointment soon. 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 test them out for your hearing loss risk and your risk of osteoporosis’ sake.
