Minster Hearing Loss May Be Related to Vitamin D Loss

”What did you say?” Does this sound typical when chatting with your senior parents or grandparents (and sometimes your kids)? Hearing loss is so common. It’s practically an inescapable issue as we get older. Does it have to be that way? Researchers are looking at it, and Minster Chiropractic Center is following the work to incorporate into our nutrition care! Vitamin D deficiency is again considered a culprit in this side-effect of aging.

HEARING LOSS IN ADULTS

Quite a few older Minster adults suffer hearing loss. It is annoying, but new research provides some direction on how to potentially avert it. A group of researchers pointed out that older people are at risk of hearing loss and osteoporosis. Vitamin D levels are tested in both conditions. Bone mineral density and hearing loss have been linked. These researchers found 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 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 suggested that patients with these vitamin deficiencies should also be examined for cochlear function. (2) Minster Chiropractic Center suggests starting with a look at your vitamin levels!

HEARING LOSS IN CHILDREN

In children who have 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 apt 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 seen. Children with low calcium levels were also at higher risk of moderate-profound hearing loss. (3) Minster Chiropractic 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 subclass 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 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 Minster Chiropractic 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 Minster 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 test them out for your hearing loss risk and your risk of osteoporosis’ sake.

 
Minster Chiropractic Center presents new 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."