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<\/figure><\/div>Osteoporosis is a condition characterized by weak and brittle bones. Symptoms include:<\/p>
- Bones that break more easily than expected<\/li>
- Back pain<\/li>
- Stooped posture<\/li>
- Loss of height<\/li><\/ul>
Bones are living tissues that are constantly broken down and replaced. Osteoporosis is the result of old bone not being replaced by new bone quickly enough.<\/p>
What the Research Shows<\/h2>
One study<\/a> published in 2018 found a connection between osteoporosis and sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL).<\/p>
Researchers examined data collected between 2002 and 2013 for the Korean National Health Insurance Service-National Sample Cohort. Information was gathered from 68,241 participants with osteoporosis and 68,241 without the condition who were of the same age group.<\/p>
They found that the risk of SSNHL was greater in the group with osteoporosis than the control group. These results were consistent across both middle-aged and elderly populations.<\/p>
Why the Link Between Osteoporosis and Hearing Loss?<\/h2>
Experts hypothesize that the link has to do with bone density and demineralization. Within the ears are tiny bones that play a crucial role in the ability to hear. If these bones become weak, they can be damaged or broken, causing sudden sensorineural hearing loss.<\/p>
Early detection and treatment of osteoporosis may help prevent SSNHL.<\/p>
Treatment Options<\/h2>
Treatment for osteoporosis usually includes a combination of lifestyle changes and medication.<\/p>
Lifestyle changes include:<\/p>
- Eating a protein-rich diet<\/li>
- Maintaining an appropriate body weight<\/li>
- Consuming 1,000-1,200 mg of calcium a day<\/li>
- Getting plenty of Vitamin D from sunlight, or supplementing with vitamins from The Vitamin Shoppe<\/a><\/li>
- Exercising regularly<\/li><\/ul>
Medications for osteoporosis include:<\/p>
- Alendronate (Fosamax), taken as a weekly pill<\/li>
- Risedronate (Actonel), taken as a weekly or monthly pill<\/li>
- Ibandronate (Boniva), taken as a monthly pill or quarterly intravenous (IV) infusion<\/li>
- Zoledronic acid (Reclast), takes as an annual IV infusion<\/li><\/ul>
Sensorineural hearing loss is usually treated with hearing aids, which work by amplifying sounds within the environment based on a prescription and fine-tuned with real ear measurements to a level the inner ear can detect.<\/p>
For more information about the connection between osteoporosis and hearing loss, or to schedule an appointment for a hearing evaluation, call the experts at Elevate Audiology today.<\/p>
- Exercising regularly<\/li><\/ul>