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How IL6 Genetic Variants Relate to Hearing Health and Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss

Hearing loss can develop gradually or appear suddenly. Sudden sensorineural hearing loss, or SSNHL, is a rapid decline in hearing that results from damage to the inner ear's hair cells or the auditory nerve. One gene that influences inflammation and vascular health in the inner ear is IL6, which makes the protein Interleukin 6, commonly called IL-6.

IL-6 is part of the immune system response. When produced in excess, IL-6 can increase inflammation and oxidative stress, and it can influence blood vessel health. In the tiny, delicate environment of the inner ear, higher levels of inflammation or poorer vascular function can increase risk of injury to sensory cells and contribute to SSNHL.

What this means for you

Your IL6 genotype can affect how much IL-6 your body tends to produce in response to triggers. That does not mean you will definitely develop hearing loss. Instead, it helps indicate how important certain prevention strategies may be for you. Below you will find practical steps for diet, supplements, lifestyle, monitoring, and what to do if you notice a sudden change in hearing.

Prevention and supportive strategies

  • Anti-inflammatory diet: Emphasize a variety of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, lean proteins such as fish and poultry, and healthy fats like olive oil and avocados. Reduce highly processed foods, excess added sugars, and trans fats.
  • Omega-3 fatty acids: Regularly include fatty fish such as salmon, sardines, or mackerel, or consider a fish oil supplement if dietary intake is low. Omega-3s support vascular health and may reduce inflammatory signaling.
  • Antioxidant nutrients: Vitamins C and E, CoQ10, magnesium, and zinc support cellular health and protect against oxidative damage. Aim to meet needs through food first and discuss supplements with your provider before starting them.
  • Regular physical activity: Moderate aerobic activity most days of the week supports circulation, metabolic health, and inflammation control.
  • Sleep and stress management: Quality sleep and stress reduction lower chronic inflammation. Use consistent sleep routines and stress reduction tools such as meditation, deep breathing, or gentle movement.
  • Avoid loud noise exposure: Use hearing protection in noisy environments, limit time at high volumes with headphones, and lower background noise when possible.
  • Medication review: Certain medicines can affect hearing. Work with your healthcare provider to review medications, especially if you have other risk factors.
  • Manage cardiovascular risk: Control high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and high cholesterol, since vascular health influences ear function.
  • Immediate action for sudden changes: If you experience sudden hearing loss or a rapid change in hearing, seek medical attention immediately. Early evaluation can preserve hearing function.

Supplements and tests to consider

  • Consider assessing vitamin D, B12, and magnesium levels if you have risk factors or symptoms that suggest deficiencies.
  • Discuss using omega-3 supplements, a balanced antioxidant formula, or magnesium with your healthcare provider before starting. Doses and interactions vary by individual.
  • Routine health monitoring such as blood pressure, fasting glucose or HbA1c, and lipid panel can help identify vascular risk factors to address.

Genetic Interpretations for rs1800796 (IL6)

Two effect alleles (GG) — increased risk

Your genotype: GG (two copies of the effect allele). This variant is associated with an increased risk of sudden sensorineural hearing loss. It may be linked to higher production of IL-6, a pro-inflammatory protein that can raise inflammation and oxidative stress in inner ear structures and may negatively affect small blood vessels that support hearing.

  • Prioritize an anti-inflammatory diet high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, lean protein, and omega-3 rich fish.
  • Consider regular omega-3 intake and ensure adequate antioxidants through diet; discuss supplements such as vitamins C and E, CoQ10, magnesium, and zinc with your healthcare provider.
  • Maintain regular cardiovascular risk screening and management for blood pressure, blood sugar, and lipids.
  • Keep noise exposure low and use hearing protection in loud environments.
  • Prioritize sleep, stress reduction, and consistent exercise to reduce chronic inflammation.
  • If you experience sudden hearing loss or rapid hearing changes, seek immediate medical attention.
One effect allele (CG) — likely increased risk

Your genotype: CG (one copy of the effect allele). This genotype is associated with a likely increased risk of sudden sensorineural hearing loss. You may have a tendency toward higher IL-6 production compared with people without the effect allele, which can raise inflammatory and oxidative stress signals in the inner ear and affect blood vessel function.

  • Follow an anti-inflammatory eating pattern with plenty of colorful vegetables and fruit, whole grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, and healthy fats.
  • Include omega-3 rich foods or discuss supplementation with your provider. Consider evaluating antioxidant status before starting supplements.
  • Adopt lifestyle practices that support vascular and immune health: regular exercise, maintain healthy weight, control blood pressure and blood sugar, and lower stress.
  • Protect your ears from loud or prolonged noise exposure and avoid unnecessary ototoxic medications when possible.
  • Seek urgent care if you notice sudden hearing loss or rapid hearing changes.
Zero effect alleles (CC) — typical susceptibility

Your genotype: CC (no copies of the effect allele). This genotype is associated with typical susceptibility to SSNHL related to IL6 variation. You do not carry the G variant linked with increased IL-6 related risk. Even so, the same general prevention strategies support hearing health and healthy aging.

  • Eat an anti-inflammatory diet rich in whole plant foods, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
  • Support antioxidant intake through food and discuss supplementation with your healthcare provider if needed.
  • Maintain cardiovascular and metabolic health through exercise, healthy weight, blood pressure control, and diabetes prevention.
  • Protect ears from loud noise and limit exposure to ototoxic agents when possible.
  • If you experience sudden hearing loss, seek immediate medical care.

When to contact your healthcare provider

  • Sudden or rapidly worsening hearing loss. Immediate evaluation can lead to treatments that improve the chance of recovery.
  • Progressive or unexplained hearing changes, ringing in the ears, dizziness, or balance problems.
  • If you plan to start new supplements or make major medication changes, especially if you have cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or take blood thinners.

PlexusDx provides educational information about how genetic differences may influence health risks and wellness strategies. This content is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making health care decisions or starting new supplements, medications, or treatments.