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Senile deafness and metabolic bone disease
1Department of Neurotology, Sapporo City General Hospital, Japan.
The American Journal of Otology
|September 1, 1988
Summary
Senile deafness may involve abnormal bone metabolism. Treatment with active vitamin D (1 alpha-[OH]D3) showed potential hearing improvements in some patients, warranting further long-term study.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Gerontology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Senile deafness, or age-related hearing loss, is a prevalent condition.
- Abnormal bone metabolism is increasingly implicated in various age-related conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between bone metabolism and senile deafness.
- To assess the potential efficacy of active vitamin D in treating senile deafness.
Main Methods:
- Quantitative assessment of bone atrophy using microdensitometry (MD) in 56 patients.
- Biochemical examinations including serum calcium, BUN, and alkaline phosphatase levels.
- Treatment of 12 patients with abnormal bone metabolism using 1 microgram/day of 1 alpha-[OH]D3 for 6-10 months.
Main Results:
- Abnormal bone metabolism is suspected in many patients with senile deafness.
- Patients with senile deafness showed significantly lower serum calcium and higher BUN levels compared to normal subjects.
- A positive correlation was found between hearing levels and serum alkaline phosphatase.
Conclusions:
- Senile deafness may be linked to altered bone metabolism, indicated by biochemical markers.
- Preliminary results suggest active vitamin D may offer some hearing improvement, but long-term studies are essential for definitive conclusions.