Age-Related Hearing Impairment and B Vitamin Status

Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine, in elderly subjects, a possible association between age-related hearing impairment and vitamin B12 or folic acid status. Ninety-one consecutive subjects with pure age-related hearing impairment, 35 males and 56 females, with a median age of 78 years, range 67-88 years, were included in the investigation. All subjects underwent a thorough evaluation, including pure-tone, speech and impedance audiometry. Blood samples were drawn for determination of B12, folic acid and homocysteine and analysed by routine laboratory measurements. No significant differences in the blood parameters as a function of gender could be demonstrated and no correlations were found between B12 or folic acid and hearing levels averaged across the range 0.5-4 kHz. A weak correlation between hearing levels and homocysteine (r = 0.03; correlation coefficient 0.004) was found; however, a comparison of the hearing levels between those with increased and normal homocysteine failed to show any significant differences. In addition, no association between B12 and the speech recognition score could be found. This investigation therefore fails to demonstrate any association between hearing level and vitamin B12 or folic acid in elderly subjects.

Associations between dietary quality, noise, and hearing: Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1999–2002

“…Some of the nutrients suggested to play a role in human hearing are vitamins, including vitamins A, B (specifically B 2 , B 9 , and B 12 ), C, and E (Weijl et al, 2004; Durga et al, 2007; Michikawa et al, 2009; Gopinath et al, 2011; Spankovich et al, 2011; Choi et al, 2013). However, there are also studies that report no statistically significant relationships between these specific vitamins and hearing (Berner et al, 2000; Michikawa et al, 2009; Shargorodsky et al, 2010; Gopinath et al, 2011; Péneau et al, 2013). Some of the minerals suggested to play a role in hearing include magnesium (Mg) (Joachims et al, 1993; Attias et al, 1994; 2004; Spankovich et al, 2011; Choi et al, 2013) and selenium (Se) (Weijl et al, 2004; Chuang et al, 2007), although there are also studies reporting no statistically significant relationship between Mg and hearing (Walden et al, 2000).…”

Healthy diets, healthy hearing: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1999–2002

“…However, one recent analysis of the NHANES data did suggest a beneficial role for β-carotene in hearing (Choi, 2011). Vitamin B. Folic acid slowed progression of age-related hearing loss at low frequencies in a 3-year longitudinal study (Durga et al, 2007), although an earlier study showed no relationship between hearing loss and B vitamin levels in plasma (Berner et al, 2000). Vitamin C. Some cross-sectional data suggest a positive relationship between vitamin C intake and hearing sensitivity (Spankovich et al, 2011), although several studies failed to detect a statistically significant relationship (Shargorodsky et al, 2010; Gopinath et al 2011; Choi, 2011).…”

Matrix imbalance by inducing expression of metalloproteinase and oxidative stress in cochlea of hyperhomocysteinemic mice

“…Vascular compromise is a common occurrence associated with two independent risk factors, low serum folate levels, and elevated serum homocysteine (Hcy). Low folate status has been associated with poor hearing [1–3]. Folate is also one of the dietary determinants of serum homocysteine levels and lower folate levels cause ischemic vascular damage of the inner ear [4].…”