Influence of Vitamin B12 Deficiency on Auditory and Vestibular Functioning: An Objective Test-Based Systematic Review

To evaluate the effectiveness of objective audiological and vestibular assessments in detecting functional changes associated with vitamin B12 deficiency. DATA SOURCES: A comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and EMBASE databases. REVIEW

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✦ The floor

Discussion

Signed responses from readers of the wire.

✦ Clinical Takeaway ✦

Clinicians managing patients with unexplained auditory or vestibular symptoms may consider B12 status as a contributing factor, but the current systematic review is likely insufficient to change screening protocols without stronger evidence on effect size and reversibility.

✦ Why It Matters ✦

If vitamin B12 deficiency is confirmed as an objective modifier of auditory and vestibular function, it represents a potentially reversible and easily treatable contributor to hearing and balance disorders.

✦ Key Points ✦

01Systematic review published in Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery focused on objective audiological and vestibular measures.
02Examines whether vitamin B12 deficiency produces detectable functional changes in hearing and balance.
03Only objective test-based studies were included, improving measurement reliability over self-report studies.
04B12 deficiency is a potentially treatable condition, making any confirmed link to hearing/balance disorders clinically important.
05Strength of conclusions depends on quality and number of included studies, which may be limited.

✦ Claims & Evidence ✦

ClaimEvidenceSupport

Vitamin B12 deficiency is associated with measurable changes in auditory and vestibular function as detected by objective tests.

studypartially supported

✦ Research metadata ✦

PMID: 42788782
DOI: 10.1002/ohn.70450.
Journal: Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery
Publication type: review
Evidence level: 1a
Population: Individuals with vitamin B12 deficiency evaluated using objective audiological and vestibular tests
Intervention: Presence of vitamin B12 deficiency
Comparator: Individuals with normal vitamin B12 levels

Primary outcomes

Objective audiological test outcomes (e.g., pure-tone audiometry, ABR); Objective vestibular test outcomes (e.g., VEMP, posturography)

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