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Vitamin D Deficiency, Hypocalcemia, and Hearing Loss in Children

Charmee H Mehta1, Michaela F Close, James R Dornhoffer

  • 1Medical University of South Carolia Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Charleston, South Carolina.

Otology & Neurotology : Official Publication of the American Otological Society, American Neurotology Society [And] European Academy of Otology and Neurotology
|July 14, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Vitamin D deficiency and hypocalcemia are linked to sensorineural hearing loss in children. Early identification of these conditions can improve audiological evaluation and treatment for affected children.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Otolaryngology
  • Endocrinology

Background:

  • Vitamin D deficiency (VDD) is prevalent in children and linked to various health issues.
  • Hearing loss (HL) in children can have significant developmental impacts.
  • The relationship between VDD, hypocalcemia, and HL requires further characterization.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between vitamin D deficiency (VDD), hypocalcemia, and hearing loss (HL) in a pediatric cohort.
  • To determine the prevalence and type of hearing loss in children with VDD.
  • To identify risk factors for hearing loss in children with VDD and hypocalcemia.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of the Audiological and Genetic Database at a tertiary referral hospital.
  • Inclusion criteria: children diagnosed with VDD, rickets, or osteomalacia.
  • Analysis of hearing loss prevalence, type, severity, and progression, with comparisons to a control cohort.

Main Results:

  • Over half of children with VDD (53.4%) had hearing loss; 17% had moderate-profound HL.
  • Children with VDD were more likely to have sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) compared to controls.
  • Hypocalcemia was associated with a higher rate of moderate-profound HL and SNHL in children with VDD.

Conclusions:

  • Vitamin D deficiency and hypocalcemia are independent risk factors for sensorineural hearing loss in children.
  • SNHL is less likely to improve, emphasizing the need for early detection.
  • Routine audiological evaluation is recommended for children with VDD and hypocalcemia.
Abstract

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