Vitamin D May Aid Hearing Recovery in Pilot Trial

Randomized pilot study suggests frequency-specific benefit when added to corticosteroids

By
Doug Brunk
March 17, 2026
3 min

Conexiant

Objective:

To evaluate the effect of vitamin D supplementation on hearing recovery in patients with sudden sensorineural hearing loss and vitamin D deficiency.

Key Findings:

Patients receiving vitamin D showed greater improvement in hearing at 2000 Hz and 4000 Hz compared to the placebo group.
No significant advantage of vitamin D was observed at lower frequencies (500 and 1000 Hz) or at 6000 Hz.
Both groups improved in hearing over 30 days, consistent with corticosteroid treatment expectations.

Interpretation:

The study suggests that vitamin D supplementation may enhance recovery of hearing at specific frequencies crucial for speech perception, although the overall contribution of vitamin D remains unclear.

Limitations:

Small sample size.
Single-center design.
Short follow-up period.
Inability to isolate the effects of corticosteroids, spontaneous recovery, and vitamin D.