Vitamin D Deficiency Linked to Meniere's Disease and Hearing Loss Severity: Study
Researchers have found in a new study that Vitamin D deficiency is associated with Meniere's disease and worsened hearing loss. The findings highlight the importance of nutritional factors in ear health, particularly the role of Vitamin D in maintaining balance and auditory function. Meniere’s disease is a chronic inner ear condition marked by symptoms such as vertigo, tinnitus, and fluctuating hearing loss. While its exact cause has remained unclear, recent research suggests that Vitamin D levels could play a part in both the onset and progression of the condition.
The study, published in Frontiers in Neurology (Kohli et al., 2025), examined serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations in patients diagnosed with Meniere’s disease. It revealed that individuals with low Vitamin D were more likely to experience more severe hearing loss compared to those with sufficient levels. The researchers emphasized that Vitamin D contributes not only to bone and immune health but also influences the inner ear’s calcium metabolism, which is vital for hearing and balance. This suggests that addressing Vitamin D deficiency may help reduce the burden of symptoms for patients and potentially improve quality of life.
Although the research does not claim a direct cause-and-effect relationship, it highlights a significant association that warrants further clinical attention. For people living with Meniere’s disease, monitoring Vitamin D intake through diet, supplementation, or lifestyle adjustments like safe sun exposure may prove beneficial. Clinicians may also consider evaluating Vitamin D status as part of routine care for patients presenting with inner ear disorders. As the study notes, better understanding the link between nutrition and auditory health could open new avenues for treatment and management strategies. With no definitive cure for Meniere’s disease, these insights add a valuable dimension to ongoing efforts in reducing its impact on patients.
Reference: Kohli, K.K., et al. (2025). Association of low serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels with hearing loss severity in Meniere disease: a cross-sectional study. Frontiers in Neurology. https://doi.org/10.3389/fneur.2025.1638357
