San Jose Hearing Loss May Be Related to Vitamin D Loss
“Huh?” Does this sound familiar when chatting with your senior parents or grandparents (and occasionally your children)? Hearing loss is so common. It is practically a foregone conclusion as we age. Does it have to be though? Researchers are studying it, and Chiropractic Solutions is following the work to incorporate into our nutrition care! Vitamin D deficiency is again deemed a culprit in this aging side-effect.
HEARING LOSS IN ADULTS
Quite a few older San Jose adults suffer hearing loss. It is frustrating, but new research offers some direction on how to possibly avert it. A group 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 associated in the research. 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 associated with cochlear ear health and function. It was proposed that patients with these vitamin deficiencies should also be examined for cochlear function. (2) Chiropractic Solutions suggests starting with a review of your vitamin levels!
HEARING LOSS IN CHILDREN
In children with vitamin D deficiency, 53.4% had 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 likely to improve over time. Children with vitamin D deficiency and a femur fracture, a significantly higher rate of hearing loss was seen. Children with low calcium levels were found to be at higher risk of moderate-profound hearing loss. (3) Chiropractic Solutions 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 requires special attention in adults or children. When this kind of hearing loss occurs, 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 respond at all. Vitamin D was more evident in SSNHL patients than healthy patients. (4) Vitamin D is so important!
CONTACT Chiropractic Solutions
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 San Jose 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 test them out for your hearing loss risk and your risk of osteoporosis’ sake.
