Most people are familiar with the fundamentals of hearing loss—from what causes it, to how to prevent it. You might feel that you are taking steps to reduce the threat of hearing loss on a daily basis. Perhaps you use earplugs when you know you’ll be around loud noise. Maybe you’re careful to minimize the usage of headphones.
But what if the food you ate could benefit your hearing too? A growing body of evidence suggests that there is a surprisingly strong connection between diet and hearing loss. Here’s what you need to know.
Did you know you know a heart-healthy diet can reduce your risk of hearing loss? Here’s what you need to know.
How does diet impact hearing loss?
You might find it surprising that a healthy diet can reduce the impact of hearing loss. But numerous studies have suggested that diet and hearing are not so disconnected as we tend to think. As it turns out, the connection is not direct. It’s not so much that the food you eat impacts your hearing ability; instead, the food you eat affects your heart, which in turn can have a noticeable influence on the progression of hearing loss.
The connection between a healthy diet and cardiac health is well-established. You probably have seen numerous food products marketed as heart-healthy. As you know, your heart controls blood flow in your body. Good circulation is crucial to maintaining the health of hair cells in your ear that are fundamental to your ability to hear. It follows that if you have poor cardiac health, the reduction in blood flow can damage these delicate cells. This damage is permanent.
What can I do?
If you want to look out for your ears, you have to look out for your heart. And one of the best ways to keep your heart healthy is through what you choose to eat. The previously linked study from the American Journal of Epidemiology asserts that a Mediterranean diet is associated with a lower risk of hearing loss. This diet emphasizes the regular consumption of fruits, vegetables, and grains. Consider sources of protein that are healthier than red meat, such as fish, beans, and poultry. You might want to cut down on dairy, too.
As a general rule, following a diet that has been proven to be heart-healthy can help to reduce hearing loss. The steps you take today to protect your ears will minimize the need for the attention of an audiologist in the future. If you think you are already suffering from hearing loss, consider scheduling a hearing evaluation to receive our professional advice.
Contact Bay Area Audiology Today
Ready to change the way you look at hearing loss? Our Doctor of Audiology, Dr. Trisha A. Bents Muth, is exceptionally experienced in the art of audiology and is dedicated to providing the absolute best solutions. Bay Area Audiology has been working to give patients a comfortable environment with thorough evaluations. We are independently owned, and unbiased when it comes to finding you the care you need.
You can always come into the office or contact us in advance to set up an appointment. We also provide updates on our social media websites. You can check out our Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Pinterest to keep up with Bay Area Audiology.
Don’t hesitate–we can help.