Hearing
Loss
foods that Help prevent
Hearing loss is common with age—50% of Americans over the age of 75 have disabling hearing loss.
But people in their 30s and 40s can begin developing age-related hearing loss that worsens over time. There’s no one cause for age-related hearing impairment, but genetics, exposure to loud noises and nutrition likely all play a role. Viruses and bacteria can also be contributing factors. Avoiding noise exposure, keeping the volume on headphones low and quickly receiving medical care for health problems like ear infections are all good ways to protect hearing, and a healthy diet may also help. Studies have found that poor nutrition can increase a person’s risk of hearing problems as they age, especially when their diet lacks essential vitamins and nutrients like zinc. Research suggests that overall healthy eating habits may help protect hearing as you age.
of American adults report having some hearing loss
15%
MAGNESIUM
WHY: Magnesium may help prevent noise-induced hearing loss by destroying free radicals that can damage hairs that carry sound to the auditory nerve.
TRY pumpkin seeds, almonds, spinach, cashews, peanuts, black beans and edamame
WHY: High potassium intake has been associated with lower levels of hearing problems, especially in aging adults. Low levels may disrupt inner ear fluid.
TRY avocados, bananas, oranges, tomatoes, dairy, leafy greens, seafood and legumes
potassium
WHY: Hearing loss has been linked to folate deficiency, and a diet with too little folate can even contribute to premature hearing impairment.
TRY broccoli, Brussels sprouts, leafy greens, peas, chickpeas, kidney beans and fortified cereals
Folate
WHY: Deficiency in nutrients like zinc can make it more difficult for the middle ear to heal from infections and increase the likelihood of hearing loss over time.
TRY shellfish, beef, poultry, pork, legumes, nuts, seeds, whole grains and fortified cereals
zinc
WHY: Regularly eating foods with omega-3s has been associated with a lower risk of hearing trouble because they help improve blood supply to the cochlea.
TRY salmon, mackerel, tuna, nuts and seeds, plant oils and fortified foods such as eggs and yogurt
OMEGA-3s
Sweet ’n’ Smoky
Keep ears and hearing healthy for a lifetime in part by filling your plate with nutrient-packed foods.
try
To use fresh herbs, substitute chopped fresh lemongrass for lemongrass paste.
this
Coconut Chicken
Curry
Mixed Nuts
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Sources: www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/statistics/quick-statistics-hearing
medlineplus.gov/genetics/condition/age-related-hearing-loss/
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6356655/
www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/noise-induced-hearing-loss
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507266/
researchgate.net/publication/334239488_Association_between_a_High-Potassium_Diet_and_Hearing_Thresholds_in_the_Korean_Adult_Population
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5806825/
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4314232/
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6412883/
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4196487/
my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/15650-magnesium-rich-food
health.clevelandclinic.org/10-foods-that-are-high-in-potassium/
nhs.uk/conditions/vitamins-and-minerals/vitamin-b/
ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Zinc-HealthProfessional/
ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Omega3FattyAcids-Consumer/
View Sources
Quick Statistics About Hearing
Interplay between Nutrition and Hearing Loss: State of Art
Age Related Hearing Loss
Noise-Induced Hearing Loss
Association between a High-Potassium Diet and Hearing Thresholds in the Korean Adult Population
Magnesium and Hearing Loss
Folic acid deficiency induces premature hearing loss
Sudden sensorineural hearing loss: Is there a connection with inner ear electrolytic disorders?
Association of Nutritional Factors with Hearing Loss
Fish and fatty acid consumption and the risk of hearing loss in women
Magnesium Rich Food
B vitamins and folic acid
Zinc - Factsheet
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
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