Juneau 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 is almost an inescapable issue as we get older. Does it have to be though? Researchers are studying it, and Aurora Chiropractic Center is following the study to incorporate into our nutrition care! Vitamin D deficiency is again deemed a culprit in this side-effect of aging.
HEARING LOSS IN ADULTS
Quite a few older Juneau adults suffer hearing loss. It is frustrating, but new research offers 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 considered in both conditions. Bone mineral density and hearing loss have been linked. 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 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 linked with cochlear ear health and function. It was proposed that patients with these vitamin deficiencies should also be tested for cochlear function. (2) Aurora Chiropractic Center suggests starting with a test of 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 (and children with low calcium levels) were more likely to experience sensorineural hearing loss, a type of hearing loss that is less likely to get better 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) Aurora Chiropractic Center 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 type of hearing loss that needs special attention in children and adults. When this type of hearing loss happens, steroids are a common 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 evident in SSNHL patients than healthy patients. (4) Vitamin D is so important!
CONTACT Aurora 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.
Schedule your Juneau chiropractic appointment soon. 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 check them out for your hearing loss risk and your risk of osteoporosis’ sake.
