The impact of vitamin D supplementation on sudden sensorineural hearing loss in vitamin D deficient patients: A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial: A pilot study.

2026-03
American journal of otolaryngology 47(2)
- Bahareh Tavakoli
- Sohrab Rabiei

PubMed: 41570758
DOI: 10.1016/j.amjoto.2026.104793

Study Design

Type: Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT)
Population: patients with SSNHL occurring within 45 days prior to the study and serum vitamin D levels less than 50 nmol/L or 20 ng/mL
Methods: randomized, placebo-controlled study; routine corticosteroid treatment plus Pearl, 50000 IU vitamin D3 vs routine corticosteroid treatment plus placebo
Blinding: Double-blind
Duration: 30 days
Funding: Unclear

Background

Given the high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency among sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) patients, this study endeavours to evaluate the impact of incorporating vitamin D supplementation into the standard treatment for individuals confirmed to be vitamin D deficient.

Method

In this randomized, placebo-controlled study, patients with SSNHL occurring within 45 days prior to the study and serum vitamin D levels less than 50 nmol/L or 20 ng/mL were divided into two groups. The control group received routine corticosteroid treatment plus placebo, whereas the intervention group received routine corticosteroid treatment plus Pearl, 50000 IU vitamin D3. Patients were assessed for pure-tone average (PTA) frequencies of 500, 1000, 2000, 4000, and 6000 Hz, speech reception threshold (SRT), and speech discrimination score (SDS) at baseline, 10th, and 30-day follow-up.

Results

Baseline demographic, biochemical, and audiological characteristics showed no significant differences between groups. PTA, SRT, and SDS were assessed at baseline, 10 days, and 30 days post-treatment. Both groups exhibited significant hearing improvement at one month; however, vitamin D supplementation led to significantly greater improvements at 2000 Hz and 4000 Hz frequencies (P = 0.004 and P = 0.001, respectively), which are critical for speech perception. No significant benefits were observed at lower frequencies (500 Hz and 1000 Hz) or at 6000 Hz, where the control group showed greater improvement. Vitamin D levels significantly increased in the intervention group without affecting serum phosphorus or calcium concentrations.

Conclusion

Vitamin D supplementation may enhance auditory recovery at key speech-related frequencies in SSNHL patients with vitamin D deficiency.

Research Insights

Vitamin D→Improved Hearing
No significant benefits were observed at lower frequencies (500 Hz and 1000 Hz) or at 6000 Hz
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small
Dose
Pearl, 50000 IU vitamin D3
Vitamin D→Improved Hearing Level
No significant benefits were observed at lower frequencies (500 Hz and 1000 Hz) or at 6000 Hz
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small
Dose
Pearl, 50000 IU vitamin D3
Vitamin D→Improved Hearing at 6000 Hz
No significant benefits were observed at lower frequencies (500 Hz and 1000 Hz) or at 6000 Hz, where the control group showed greater improvement
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small
Dose
Pearl, 50000 IU vitamin D3
Vitamin D→Improved Pure-Tone Average
Both groups exhibited significant hearing improvement at one month; however, vitamin D supplementation led to significantly greater improvements at 2000 Hz and 4000 Hz frequencies
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small
Dose
Pearl, 50000 IU vitamin D3
Vitamin D→Improved Speech Discrimination Score
PTA, SRT, and SDS were assessed at baseline, 10 days, and 30 days post-treatment. Both groups exhibited significant hearing improvement at one month
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small
Dose
Pearl, 50000 IU vitamin D3
Vitamin D→Improved Speech Reception Threshold
PTA, SRT, and SDS were assessed at baseline, 10 days, and 30 days post-treatment. Both groups exhibited significant hearing improvement at one month
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small
Dose
Pearl, 50000 IU vitamin D3