Growing evidence suggests that alcohol consumption is a risk factor for hearing loss.
Alcohol consumption is a common modifiable risk factor for many health problems, such as liver cancer and cardiovascular diseases but its association with hearing loss is inconclusive.
The body’s mechanisms underlying alcohol consumption and hearing loss are unclear. It could be related to lower levels of vitamin B12 intake. B12 has an important role in cell metabolism and vascular function. Perhaps a vitamin B12 deficiency might lead to auditory system diseases.
One study suggested that alcohol consumption mainly caused high-frequency hearing loss. Another found that alcohol exerts widespread effects on the processing of sound and frequency changes.
Interestingly, there is nothing yet to suggest that age and types of hearing loss make a difference.
The conclusion? Maybe.
Drinkers may be at a higher risk than non-drinkers. Drinking limitations may be useful for preventing hearing loss.
Read the article at Plos One