![\"Man](\"https:\/\/elevateaudiology.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/hearing-test-man-hearing-loss-1280x853.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nOsteoporosis is a condition characterized by weak and brittle bones. Symptoms include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Bones that break more easily than expected<\/li>
- Back pain<\/li>
- Stooped posture<\/li>
- Loss of height<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
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>\n\n\n\n
What the Research Shows<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
One study<\/a> published in 2018 found a connection between osteoporosis and sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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>\n\n\n\n
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>\n\n\n\n
Why the Link Between Osteoporosis and Hearing Loss?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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>\n\n\n\n
Early detection and treatment of osteoporosis may help prevent SSNHL.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Treatment Options<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Treatment for osteoporosis usually includes a combination of lifestyle changes and medication.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lifestyle changes include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- 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>\n\n\n\n
Medications for osteoporosis include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- 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>\n\n\n\n
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>\n\n\n\n
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>\n\n\n\n
- Exercising regularly<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n