Previous studies have indicated that vitamin B12 deficiency may be associated with impaired myelination of the cochlear nerve. A recent systematic review of 9 studies explored the relationship between vitamin B12 deficiency and hearing loss. The review showed that lower vitamin B12 levels were associated with a higher prevalence of hearing impairment compared with normal or elevated levels.
Vitamin B12 deficiency, particularly in the presence of elevated homocysteine and low folate levels, may contribute to varying degrees of hearing loss, especially in older adults. Lower serum vitamin B12 levels have been associated with slight-to-mild hearing loss, and cochlear dysfunction as well as poorer hearing thresholds have also been observed in individuals with vitamin B12 deficiency. Overall, these findings reinforce the association between vitamin B12 deficiency and hearing loss and…
