Does healthy eating lead to healthy hearing?

Though invisible, hearing loss is considered a medical condition – in fact, it is the third most common medical condition in the US, after heart disease and arthritis. As a medical condition, hearing loss is often linked with other conditions. This relationship between related conditions is known as a comorbidity. Comorbidities of hearing loss are numerous, but one main one is related to our cardiovascular system. Recent studies have found that healthy eating and including certain nutrients in your diet could potentially prevent or delay hearing loss. According to a growing body of research, a strong and healthy cardiovascular system keeps the body supplied with adequate blood flow. This is important to the environment of our ears as well. Here are a few healthy food tips based on a new body of research.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids to Strengthen the Inner Ear

The inner ear is a sensitive environment, made of tiny hair cells which receive sound vibrations and translate them into neural signals. These neural signals make their way to the auditory center of our brains, where they are registered as sounds we recognize – a dog barking, a door slamming. For people with cardiovascular issues, such as high blood pressure, the risk for hearing loss could be increased. High blood pressure leads to a constriction of blood vessels in our bodies. Poor blood flow to the inner ear could increase the potential for sensorineural hearing loss. Researchers have found that by increasing omega-3 fatty acids in our diets, we may in turn strengthen blood vessels in our inner ear.

"people who eat two or more portions of fish per week are 42% less likely to develop presbycusis [age-related hearing loss] compared to those who do not eat fish on a regular basis."

Omega-3 fatty acids are found in fish, such as salmon, tuna, and sardines. According to a new body of research, "people who eat two or more portions of fish per week are 42% less likely to develop presbycusis [age-related hearing loss] compared to those who do not eat fish on a regular basis."

Antioxidants, Folic Acids Beneficial to the Ear

The University of Michigan has found that "high doses of certain antioxidants reduce noise-induced hearing loss in animals when taken both before and after loud noise." Noise-induced hearing loss occurs when there is exposure to loud volumes of sound over a period of time. Dr. Colleen Le Prell's research has found that a "combination of high doses of vitamins A, C, and E, and magnesium, taken one hour before noise exposure and continued as a once-daily treatment for five days, was very effective at preventing permanent noise-induced hearing loss in guinea pigs." Test subjects were exposed to sounds that could permanently damage hearing even in humans, such as that of a jet engine. Dr. Le Prell and her team of researchers posit that the combination of these antioxidants support inner ear cells, and also reduce free radicals that form during and after noise exposure that could damage hearing.

In a separate study from The Daily Sentinel, Dr. Joe McDermott suggests that consuming leafy greens (spinach, romaine lettuce, etc.) could prevent damage to the inner ear. It was reported that people "over the age of 50 years with folate deficiency have been reported to have a 35% higher risk of hearing loss."

The Connection between Hearing Health and Overall Health

Hearing is an integral part of a person's overall good health and well-being. In the United States, about 20% of the population experiences some degree of hearing loss. Untreated hearing loss could lead to related medical issues, such as an increased risk for depression, stress, and anxiety – and has been linked to an increased risk for dementia. Treating hearing loss, as early as possible, is an important step toward overall health and well-being. A healthy diet is also an integral part of our well-being.

If you believe you have experienced changes in your hearing, contact us today at Atlanta Hearing Doctor to schedule a consultation and hearing test.