Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)

Thiamine Deficiency and Hearing Loss

“[Thiamine’s] deficiency can cause a range of diseases including Wernicke encephalopathy (WE), which is caused by selective and symmetrical damage of the diencephalon and brainstem. Patients with WE usually have prolonged interpeak latencies on ABR tests, and occasionally suffer from evident hearing loss.”

Gao, K., Ding, D., Ii, Peng, Sun, H., & Salvi, R. (2015). Thiamine deficiency and hearing loss. 13:43-48.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/312136101_Thiamine_deficiency_and_hearing_loss

Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)

Clinical presentation and outcome of riboflavin transporter deficiency: mini review after five years of experience

“The riboflavin transporter deficiencies present with weakness, cranial nerve deficits including hearing loss.”

Jaeger, B., & Bosch, A.M. (2016). Clinical presentation and outcome of riboflavin transporter deficiency: mini review after five years of experience. J Inherit Metab Dis, 39(4):559-64. doi: 10.1007/s10545-016-9924-2
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26973221/

Vitamin B3 (Niacin)

Associations of Dietary Riboflavin, Niacin, and Retinol with Age-related Hearing Loss: An Analysis of Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey Data

“Our findings suggest the recommended intake levels of riboflavin, niacin, and retinol may help reduce [age-related hearing loss] in the elderly.”

Kim, T.S., & Chung, J.W. (2019). Associations of Dietary Riboflavin, Niacin, and Retinol with Age-related Hearing Loss: An Analysis of Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey Data. Nutrients, 11(4):896. doi: 10.3390/nu11040896
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31010085/

Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid)

Pantothenic acid and biotin

“Pantothenic acid (B-5) and biotin (B-7) are types of B vitamins. They are water-soluble, which means that the body can't store them. If the body can't use the entire vitamin, the extra amount leaves the body through the urine. The body keeps a small reserve of these vitamins. They have to be taken on a regular basis to maintain the reserve.”

MedlinePlus (2021, February 8). Pantothenic acid and biotin.
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002410.htm

Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)

Vitamin B6 Fact Sheet for Consumers

“Vitamin B6 deficiency is uncommon in the United States. People who don’t get enough vitamin B6 can have a range of symptoms, including anemia, itchy rashes, scaly skin on the lips, cracks at the corners of the mouth, and a swollen tongue. Other symptoms of very low vitamin B6 levels include depression, confusion, and a weak immune system. Infants who do not get enough vitamin B6 can become irritable or develop extremely sensitive hearing or seizures.”

Office of Dietary Supplements (2019, December 10). Vitamin B6 Fact Sheet for Consumers. National Institutes of Health.
https://ods.od.nih.gov/pdf/factsheets/VitaminB6-Consumer.pdf

Biotin

Biotin Fact Sheet for Consumers

Biotin deficiency can cause thinning hair and loss of body hair; a rash around the eyes, nose, mouth, and anal area; pinkeye; high levels of acid in the blood and urine; seizures; skin infection; brittle nails; and nervous system disorders. Symptoms of biotin deficiency in infants include weak muscle tone, sluggishness, and delayed development.

Office of Dietary Supplements (2021, January 15). Biotin Fact Sheet for Consumers. National Institutes of Health.
https://ods.od.nih.gov/pdf/factsheets/biotin-Consumer.pdf

Calcium

Calcium signaling in the cochlea – Molecular mechanisms and physiopathological implications

“Calcium ions (Ca2+) regulate numerous and diverse aspects of cochlear and vestibular physiology. This review focuses on the Ca2+ control of mechanotransduction and synaptic transmission in sensory hair cells, as well as on Ca2+ signalling in non-sensory cells of the developing cochlea.”

Ceriani, F., & Mammano, F. (2012). Calcium signaling in the cochlea – Molecular mechanisms and physiopathological implications. Cell Commun Signal, 10: 20. doi: 10.1186/1478-811X-10-20
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3408374/

Magnesium

Magnesium and hearing loss

“The efficacy of magnesium, administered either to prevent or to treat hearing damage, has been demonstrated in several studies in animals and in humans, particularly in noise-induced hearing loss.” “The efficacy of magnesium, administered either to prevent or to treat hearing damage, has been demonstrated in several studies in animals and in humans, particularly in noise-induced hearing loss.”

Sendowski, I., Holy, X., Raffin, F., & Cazals, Y. (2011). Magnesium and hearing loss. In Vink R, Nechifor M, editors. Magnesium in the Central Nervous System. Adelaide (AU): University of Adelaide Press.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507266/

Potassium

Association between a High-Potassium Diet and Hearing Thresholds in the Korean Adult Population

“High potassium intake levels were associated with a lower prevalence of HL (hearing loss) and lower hearing thresholds in the Korean adult population. Further research should determine whether interventions that improve the potassium intake may help in preventing hearing impairment in the Korean adult population.”

Jung, D.J., Lee, J.Y., Cho, K.H., Lee, K., Do, J.Y., & Kang, S.H. (2019). Association between a High-Potassium Diet and Hearing Thresholds in the Korean Adult Population. Sci Rep, 9:9694. doi: 10.1038/s41598-019-45930-5
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6609769/

Zinc

Zinc: the neglected nutrient

“Professor Robert Henkin first suggested that zinc deficiency might cause hearing-nerve impairment. Assay of the soft tissues of the cochlea and vestibule revealed a zinc level higher than that of any other part of the body.”

Shambaugh, G.E., Jr (1989). Zinc: the neglected nutrient. Am J Otol, 10(2):156-60.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2786676/