The Anonymous Widower

Does Lack Of B12 Affect Your Hearing?

I asked Google AI, the title of this post and received this answer.

Yes, a lack of vitamin B12 can affect your hearing, potentially leading to tinnitus (ringing in the ears) and hearing loss. Deficiencies can cause nerve damage (demyelination) in the auditory nerve and damage the small blood vessels in the inner ear.

Impact on Hearing

Tinnitus: Studies suggest B12 deficiency is linked to tinnitus, with some research indicating that supplementation can improve or reverse these symptoms.

Hearing Loss: Low B12 levels are associated with a higher prevalence of hearing impairment, particularly in older adults.

Inner Ear Damage: A lack of B12 may cause degeneration of the cochlear nerve.

Developmental Issues: In children, B12 deficiency may interfere with auditory development.

Causes and Risk Factors

Deficiency can result in high homocysteine levels, which may impair blood flow to the cochlea.

Risk factors for low B12 include:

Vegetarians/Vegans: Due to limited dietary intake.

Adults Over 60: Due to reduced absorption.

Digestive Disorders: Conditions like Coeliac or Crohn’s disease.

Medications: Long-term use of metformin or antacids.

If you are experiencing persistent tinnitus or hearing changes, it is recommended to consult a doctor to check your B12 levels.

I fairly sure that my hearing fits that pattern. Although, I’ve never had tinnitus.

March 9, 2026 - Posted by AnonW | Health, Artificial Intelligence | Artificial Intelligence, Vitamin B12, My Hearing, Google AI, B12 Deficiency