We all know that eating a healthy diet full of fruits and vegetables has numerous health benefits. What you might not know is that one of those benefits may be a lower risk of hearing loss.
How Eating Healthy Benefits Your Ears
As we age, our risk of hearing loss increases. Several reasons for this include:
- Age-related damage to the ear and nerve pathways
- Medical treatments that can damage hearing
- Noise exposure
- Certain illnesses and medical conditions
High blood pressure, diabetes and chronic inflammation are some of the conditions that have been shown to increase your risk of hearing loss. Adopting a healthy diet can reduce your risk of developing these conditions.
One large study collected data from 71,000 women from 1991 to 2013. Participants received mail questionaries every four years asking about their eating habits over the past year as well as if they had experienced any moderate to severe hearing problems.
After 12 years, researchers found that women who reported eating a diet high in fruits, vegetables and whole grains had a 30% lower risk of hearing loss than those who did not.
What Foods Benefit Your Hearing Health?
Next time you’re at the Stuart Green Market, consider stocking up on fruits and vegetables, as well as foods that are high in nutrients like potassium, zinc, magnesium, vitamin C, omega fatty acids and folic acid. Some foods that can benefit your ears include:
- Legumes
- Bananas
- Broccoli
- Garlic
- Spinach
- Asparagus
- Potatoes
- Artichokes
- Citrus fruits
- Bell peppers
- Fatty fish like salmon
- Dark chocolate
If you have any questions about what foods to include in your diet, reach out to a nutritionist or medical provider for more personalized recommendations.
Other Ways to Protect Your Hearing Health
In addition to eating a healthy diet, you can take other steps to protect your hearing health, including:
- Avoiding exposure to loud noises or using custom hearing protection devices when you are exposed.
- Getting regular physical activity to help keep the blood vessels in your ears healthy.
- Getting a hearing test at the first sign of hearing loss. The earlier you seek treatment, the better it will be for your hearing health.
- If your audiologist recommends hearing aids, wear them consistently to get the most benefit from your device.
If you have additional questions about diet and hearing loss or wish to speak with one of our experts, contact The Hear Care Center today.