Lee Swanson Research Update

Patients With Noise-Induced Hearing Loss Have High Homocysteine Levels

September 2004

Noise-induced hearing loss may not be completely related to a person being too close to a big bang. Researchers now have evidence that some people suffering noise-induced hearing loss also have high levels of homocysteine and low levels of folic acid and vitamin B-12 in their systems.

Researchers at the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, College of Medicine, First University, Elazig, Turkey, evaluated 28 male subjects who have noise-induced hearing loss and 32 men who are healthy. Blood samples were obtained from all 60 men after overnight fasting.

Scientists examined the levels of homocysteine, folic acid and vitamin B-12. They found that the men with noise-induced hearing loss had homocysteine levels significantly higher than the men in the control group. They also had significantly lower levels of folic acid and vitamin B-12 than the healthy men.

"Our findings indicate that there might be a link between increased homocysteine levels and noise-induced hearing loss," researchers reported, "since increased homocysteine levels cause elevated levels of free radicals in addition to their atherogenic and thrombogenic effects. Further experimental studies are needed to decipher how this relationship is linked."

Auris Nasus Larynx 31(1):19-22, 2004

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