The health of our ears is intrinsically linked to the overall state of our bodies. Consequently, a diet that includes the right vitamins can help bolster ear health and prevent hearing loss as we age. While safeguarding our ears from excessive noise and consuming the recommended daily amounts of essential nutrients are still the best ways to keep hearing healthy, supplements have also been shown to be beneficial.
When shopping the vitamin aisle at your local supermarket or browsing the vast selection of supplements available online, you will see many products claiming to improve the health of your ears. However, not all of these products have the same level of merit. It’s important to consult with an audiologist to pinpoint dietary deficiencies that impact hearing, and incorporate the best ear health supplement for you.
Zinc: A common ear infection treatment, zinc is a micronutrient that’s used to prevent hearing loss and treat tinnitus. Zinc works by helping to activate T-cells, which are the body’s defender cells that help fight infections and other harmful invaders in the body. Zinc can be found in foods like oysters, dark chocolate and red meats, but the best source of this nutrient is zinc supplements.
Vitamin E: A potent oxidative stress adversary, vitamin E can deter damage to the cells of your inner and middle ears. Those suffering from idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSHL) have reported relief when taking vitamin E supplements, as this anti-oxidant is capable of limiting the effects of free radicals on healthy cells within the ear.
Magnesium: An important mineral for bone health, magnesium helps regulate fluid in the inner ear. Studies show that people who are deficient in this nutrient experience noise-induced hearing loss, so including foods and supplements rich in this mineral is vital for ear health. Broccoli, kale and Swiss chard are loaded with this nutrient, as are oranges, bananas, peanut butter and sunflower oil.
Omega 3: This essential fatty acid has been shown to slow the progression of age-related hearing loss. It’s abundant in foods such as salmon, tuna and flaxseeds, but if you are not getting enough omega 3 in your diet you can also find it in over-the-counter supplements. A good supplement that you can try is cortexi drops.
Having the right balance of essential vitamins and minerals in your body can greatly reduce the risk of developing hearing loss as you age. By avoiding prolonged exposure to loud noises, eating a nutritious diet and including the best ear health supplement for you, you can enjoy healthy hearing for years to come.