Researchers found that the risk of asubsequent moderate or worse hearing losswas up to 40 percent higher in study participants with osteoporosis who have low bone density. The recent analysis also showed that bisphosphonate use does not change the prevalence of cases.
How low bone density can affect hearing
Age-related hearing loss is usually irreversible. Therefore, the new study focused on identifying potentially modifiable risk factors that may contribute. In previous research, scientists have found that bisphosphonate could help prevent hearing damage in mice. In this case, the study authors wanted to investigate whether this changes the risk of hearing loss in adults and whether there is a longitudinal association between osteoporosis and later hearing loss. A history of vertebral fractures was associated with up to a 40 percent higher risk of hearing loss. However, this did not apply to hip fractures. The different findings may reflect corresponding differences in the composition and metabolism of bones in the spine and hip. These results could also provide new insights into the changes in the bone that forms the middle andInner ear surrounds and causes hearing losscan lead.
Researchers suspect that abnormal bone remodeling and changes in pathways that maintain bone homeostasis affect bone integrity. A change in ion and fluid metabolism in the cochlea is also involved in hearing. Additionally, they plan to study whether calcium and vitamin D intake is associated with hearing loss. These have already been shown to help prevent osteoporosis. A healthy diet, physical activity, not smoking, and maintaining a healthy weight can reduce the risk of hearing loss. The authorsthis studybelieve that osteoporosis and low bone density play an important role in age-related hearing loss. Building healthy lifestyle habits could therefore offer many benefits for protecting bone and hearing health in the future.
