Largo 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 a foregone conclusion as we get older. Does it have to be that way? Researchers are studying it, and Hollstrom & Associates Inc 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
Many older Largo adults suffer hearing loss. It is frustrating, but new research offers some direction on how to potentially 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 associated to low-frequency and speech-frequency hearing loss as were 1-unit decreases in femoral neck BMD and total spine BMD. (1) Another study of participants with no 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 recommended that patients with these vitamin deficiencies should also be tested for cochlear function. (2) Hollstrom & Associates Inc suggests starting with a review of your vitamin levels!
HEARING LOSS IN CHILDREN
In children who have 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 likely to have sensorineural hearing loss, a type of hearing loss that is less liable to improve over time. Children with vitamin D deficiency and a femur fracture, a significantly higher rate of hearing loss was noted. Children with low calcium levels were also at higher risk of moderate-profound hearing loss. (3) Hollstrom & Associates Inc 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 requires special attention in adults or children. When this sort 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 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 Hollstrom & Associates Inc
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.
Schedule your Largo chiropractic appointment now. Whether you are tired 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.
