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Study author Akee Olawale Lasisi of the University of Ibadan and colleagues say low levels of the water-soluble vitamin in the blood of elderly people was significantly associated with hearing loss of high frequencies.

"Based on our research, age-related hearing loss may be associated with poor micro nutrient status", Lasisi says in a statement. "The role of folate in cellular metabolism, the nervous system and vascular function are important for the auditory system."

Lasisi and colleagues studied data for 126 Nigerian men and women age 60 and older, who were examined by physicians. The study excluded those found to have diabetes, stroke, hypertension, ear diseases, ear infections, ear trauma, ear surgery, or exposure to noise and ototoxic drugs such as aminoglycosides, antibiotics and diuretics.

Relatively low levels of vitamin intake were expected in the study participants -- considered a medically under-served population, Lasisi says.

The study is published in the journal Otolaryngology: Head and Neck Surgery.

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