McHenry 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 occasionally your children)? 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 OrthoIllinois Chiropractic is following the work 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 McHenry adults suffer hearing loss. It is frustrating, but new research gives some direction on how to potentially prevent it. A set of researchers indicated that older folks 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 linked to low-frequency and speech-frequency hearing loss as were 1-unit reductions 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) OrthoIllinois Chiropractic proposes starting with a test of your vitamin levels!
HEARING LOSS IN CHILDREN
In children who have vitamin D deficiency, 53.4% sufferered 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 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) OrthoIllinois Chiropractic 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 kind of hearing loss happens, steroids are a common treatment. Patients with adequate vitamin D levels recovered completely. 87.5% of vitamin D deficient patients and 12.5% of insufficient vitamin D level patients did not respond in any way. Vitamin D was more evident in SSNHL patients than healthy patients. (4) Vitamin D is so important!
CONTACT OrthoIllinois Chiropractic
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 McHenry chiropractic appointment today. 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.
