The levels of vitamins A, E, B12 and folic acid in noise-induced hearing loss

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the levels of vitamin A, E, B12, folic acid in employees with hearing loss due to noise. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Employees in a local hydroelectric powerhouse who suffered from hearing loss due to noise were included in the study. Study and control groups were composed of 28 employees (mean age 37+/-5 years) and 30 voluntary subjects (mean age 36+/-4 years), respectively. All the subjects in patient and control groups were males. Blood samples were obtained from all subjects and vitamin A, E, B12 and folic acid levels were measured. RESULTS: Level of vitamin B12 was found low in the patient group and normal in the control group and these were found statistically significant (p<0.005). There were no significant differences between vitamin A, E and folic acid levels. CONCLUSION: We think that measurement of vitamin B12 in routine control of the people who are working in noisy environment may be useful.