“Huh?” Does this sound typical
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 get older. Does it have to be though?
Researchers are studying it, and The Chiropractic TRUhealthDR
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 Colorado Springs adults suffer
hearing loss. It is annoying, but new research offers
some direction on how to possibly avert it. A group
of researchers pointed out 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 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 suggested that patients with these vitamin
deficiencies should also be checked for cochlear
function. (2) The Chiropractic TRUhealthDR proposes starting with a look at 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 (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 get better 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) The Chiropractic TRUhealthDR
looks out for the kids, too. Their vitamin levels and hearing need checking,
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 children and
adults. When this type of hearing loss is
encountered, steroids are a typical treatment. Patients
with adequate vitamin D levels recovered completely.
87.5% of patients with vitamin D deficiency
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 The Chiropractic TRUhealthDR
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 Colorado Springs chiropractic
appointment today. Whether you are tired of being the one asking “Huh?” or answering “Huh?,” you and your vitamin D
levels are important to us! Let’s check
them out for your hearing loss risk and your risk of osteoporosis’ sake.