Toronto Hearing Loss May Be Related to Vitamin D Loss
”What did you say?” Does this sound familiar when talking with your senior 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 though? Researchers are looking at it, and Yorkville Chiropractic and Wellness Centre 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
Many older Toronto adults experience hearing loss. It is frustrating, but new research provides some direction on how to potentially avert it. A set 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 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 with no apparent hearing loss – 30 low in vitamin D, 30 low in vitamin B12, 30 controls – found 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 checked for cochlear function. (2) Yorkville Chiropractic and Wellness Centre suggests starting with a test of your vitamin levels!
HEARING LOSS IN CHILDREN
In children with 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 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 seen. Children with low calcium levels were found to be at higher risk of moderate-profound hearing loss. (3) Yorkville Chiropractic and Wellness Centre 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 type of hearing loss that requires special attention in adults or children. When this type of hearing loss occurs, steroids are a common treatment. Patients with adequate vitamin D levels recovered fully. 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 evident in SSNHL patients than healthy patients. (4) Vitamin D is so important!
CONTACT Yorkville Chiropractic and Wellness Centre
Listen to this PODCAST with Dr. James Cox on The Back Doctors Podcast with Dr. Michael Johnson as he describes the nutritional care of the disc and spine in The Cox® Technic System of Spinal Pain Management.
Schedule your Toronto chiropractic appointment soon. Whether you are sick of being the one asking “Huh?” or answering “Huh?,” you and your vitamin D levels are of consequence to us! Let’s check them out for your hearing loss risk and your risk of osteoporosis’ sake.
