# Vitamin D Deficiency as a Risk Factor for Onset and Recurrence of Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss: A Prospective Cohort Study With Age‐Specific Analysis

## TL;DR

This study finds that vitamin D deficiency is linked to sudden hearing loss, especially in younger people, but supplementing after diagnosis doesn't help recovery.

## Contribution

The study identifies vitamin D deficiency as a modifiable risk factor for sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) and highlights its strongest association in patients under 30 years old.

## Key findings

- Vitamin D deficiency was more common in SSNHL patients than controls (38.8% vs. 10.0%).
- Younger patients (<30 years) had the highest vitamin D deficiency rate (60.0%).
- Vitamin D supplementation after diagnosis did not improve recovery rates or symptoms.

## Abstract

The link between Vitamin D (Vit D) deficiency and sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL), especially regarding recurrence and age‐related disparities, remains unclear. Recurrence and age‐specific risks of SSNHL are under addressed, limiting preventive strategies. This study investigated if Vit D deficiency increases SSNHL onset and recurrence risks, with a focus on age‐specific associations. In this prospective cohort study, 80 adult SSNHL patients and 60 matched controls were enrolled. All patients received standard therapy. Baseline serum 25(OH)D was measured, Vit D deficiency or insufficient patients were randomized in a single‐blind manner to receive 3‐month Vit D supplementation. We monitored Vit D levels, hearing recovery (pure‐tone audiometry at 10 days and 3 months), recurrence, and associated symptoms. Vit D deficiency was more prevalent in SSNHL patients than controls (38.8% vs. 10.0%, p = 0.000). Recurrent SSNHL patients had significantly lower Vit D levels (18.4 ± 4.1 ng/mL) than first‐onset patients (24.9 ± 9.7 ng/mL). The highest deficiency rate (60.0%) was in patients under 30 years. Multivariate analysis identified audiometric subtype, not Vit D status, as an independent outcome predictor. Vit D supplementation did not significantly improve recovery rates (75.7% vs. 68.2%) or alleviate symptoms. Vit D deficiency is a significant, modifiable risk factor for SSNHL onset and recurrence, with the strongest association in patients under 30 years old. However, short‐term Vit D supplementation initiated after SSNHL diagnosis failed to improve clinical outcomes, underscoring that long‐term maintenance of adequate Vit D levels, rather than acute post‐symptom intervention, may be critical for reducing SSNHL risk in high‐risk populations.

Pure‐tone audiometry (0–120 dB HL) identified patients with sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL). Serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D levels revealed deficient (< 20 ng/mL), insufficient (20–30 ng/mL), or sufficient (≥ 30 ng/mL) status. Novel findings demonstrate low vitamin D correlates with higher SSNHL onset/recurrence, particularly elevating risk in younger populations (< 30 years). Preventive vitamin D supplementation is proposed as a strategic intervention for high‐risk groups, emphasizing its potential role in mitigating auditory morbidity. HL, hearing level; SSNHL, sudden sensorineural hearing loss; VD, Vitamin D.