Can Eating Certain Foods Help Improve Your Hearing?
Have you ever wondered if there are foods you can eat to help improve your hearing? Read on!
by Ali Marquess, Audiology Technician
Recent studies have shown the correlation of magnesium intake along with antioxidants may prevent hearing loss due to noise exposure and even genetics. At the University of Michigan Kresge Hearing Research Center, two studies focused on just this. A drug cocktail of Vitamins A, C, and E mixed with magnesium, slowed down hereditary deafness in mice with a specific genetic mutation (connexin 26 gene deletion) that is known to cause genetic hearing loss in humans. A very similar cocktail was given to guinea pigs prior to noise exposure and they found the combination of the four micronutrients blocked about 80 percent of the noise-induced hearing impairment. This has since been brought to human trials on military bases in Spain and Sweden. Specifically given to a military population because statistics show that one-third of returning soldiers fighting in Afghanistan and Iraq cannot be redeployed specifically because of hearing impairment, likely caused by noise exposure. These studies are still ongoing in human populations.
As for right now, Audiologists, researchers, and other medical professionals suggest eating a well-balanced diet with Vitamins, minerals and antioxidants specifically in mind to keep your hearing and overall health in good standing.
Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin that is important for normal vision, immune system, proper organ function and reproduction. There is a lot of research showing a link between lack of Vitamin A and hearing loss, and a correlation between high levels of Vitamin A and better hearing.
Vitamin B-12keeps the nerve and blood cells healthy, and also assist in making DNA. B-12 deficient people are more at risk for tinnitus (ringing in the ears), noise-induced hearing loss, and possibly presbycusis (age-related hearing loss) especially combined with low folate levels.
Foods: meat, poultry, dairy. Beef liver, salmon, sardines and clams are specifically high in B12. Animal products are the only source to get B12 naturally. If you are vegetarian/vegan, try a supplement.
Vitamin C is an antioxidant found in most fruits and vegetables. It is helpful in providing a strong immune system, fighting off infections (like those of the middle ear) and preventing damage to the hair cells within the cochlea (inner ear).
Foods: oranges, strawberries, pineapple, mango, Brussels sprouts, bell peppers, kiwi, and broccoli.
Vitamin D is primarily responsible for bone health. A vitamin D deficiency can cause osteopenia (bone loss) and otosclerosis (abnormal bone growth/calcification) in the bones of the middle ear, which can lead to hearing loss and deafness.
Foods: fatty fish like tuna, mackerel and salmon, dairy products, fortified foods, beef liver, cheese, and egg yolks.
Vitamin E has antioxidant properties and improves circulation. This is said to be beneficial for the hair cells in the inner ear (cochlea). Also- your entire body!
Magnesium regulates muscle and nerve function, blood sugar levels, and blood pressure. It also makes protein, bone and DNA. Magnesium also regulates glutamate, which is a neurotransmitter produced in the inner ear/hair cells. Those who are magnesium are more likely to develop tinnitus.
Foods: Dark chocolate, nuts, avocados, tofu, seeds, whole grains and some fatty fish.
Potassium is an electrolyte that conducts electricity in the body in conjunction with sodium, chloride, calcium and magnesium. Potassium is one of the fluids present in the inner ear. Regulating this electrolyte can help keep potassium levels high in the inner ear, which tends to drop off with age. This is one of the leading causes in presbycusis (Age related hearing loss)
Foods: potatoes, spinach, lima beans, tomatoes, raisins, apricots, bananas, melons, oranges, yogurt and low-fat milk.
Sources:Bill Sardithe Vitamin Supplement Answer Man.” Knowledge of Health RSS, knowledgeofhealth.com/lack-of-vitamin-a-may-be-overlooked-root-of-tinnitus-and-hearing-loss/.“Can Vitamins and Minerals Prevent Hearing Loss?” Can Vitamins and Minerals Prevent Hearing Loss? | Michigan Medicine, 10 Nov. 2008, www.uofmhealth.org/news/824vitamins-and-minerals-prevent-hearing-loss.
Windsor, Amie. “Foods That Boost Hearing Health: The Power of Vitamins.” Healthy Hearing, 14 Mar. 2016,
Walter Jacobson interview Dr. Ronna Fisher, founder of the Hearing Health Centers in Chicago and the Fisher Foundation for Hearing on hearing loss and cancer treatment. Visit www.fisherfoundationforhearing.org to learn more.
The hearing loss of one family member affects the whole family. I not only see how it affects my patients and their families, but I also lived it when my grandfather moved in with us. Here is my story.
The day my grandfather moved in with us was the day my grandmother unexpectedly died. We were all grieving and going through some terrible days. One thing we as a family did not realize when taking in our grandfather was his hearing loss. Our grandmother was his hearing aid. She would repeat, spell, write, and go right up to him to converse. We had watched this for years but none of us really understood the enormous impact it would make on us. She lived like this for years, with us drifting from conversing with him to just conversing with her and never even saw it happening.
Talking to him was difficult and frustrating. Repeating ourselves was a constant and sometimes we would just stop talking all together. We could not have a normal dinner. We would talk around him then have to yell at him to catch him up with what he missed. He would interject with off the topic remarks or just ignore us completely. Our family had two televisions in the family room; one for him with headphones that he would crank all the way up and the other one for us at a normal volume. My grandfather would wake up before us in the morning and not realize how loud he was in the kitchen, banging pans and cupboards, which would frustrate the whole family. He could not answer the phone at a comfortable volume, which would then blow our ears out if we picked up the phone after him because he adjusted the volume all the way up. These are just some of the little things that affected not only him, but the whole family.
After he got hearing instruments, our daily life changed completely. He heard little sounds and knew when people were coming up behind him. He wasn’t as loud in the morning. He could answer the phone and make phone calls, which he rarely did before! At dinner, he actually participated and we all enjoyed conversation and dinner. Our relationship went from frustrating and annoying to comfortable and enjoyable! Life became what it should have been all along…happy!
This is just one story. There are many other stories just like this out there that have gotten the help they need to change their whole family dynamic around. Don’t waste precious time being frustrated not being able to talk comfortably to your loved one. Stop repeating to each other. We only had a little less than two years with my grandpa living with us before he passed away. But it was two beautiful years finally getting to know him without the frustration of his hearing loss. It was well worth it!
February is American Heart Month. The American Heart Association reports that heart disease is the leading cause of death in both men and women, with nearly 787,000 deaths in the United States linked to heart disease, stroke and other cardiovascular diseases in 2011 or 1 in 3 people. For women, cardiovascular disease ranks as the number 1 killer, resulting in more deaths than all forms of cancer. These statistics alone push cardiovascular disease to the top of the list for America’s most serious health issue.
Cardiovascular disease presents a variety of different complications including high blood pressure, arrhythmia, stroke and heart attack. Recently a growing body of research is also linking hearing loss and heart disease. A study conducted by Harvard University cited a staggering relation between heart disease and hearing loss finding “hearing loss occurred 54% more often in people with heart disease then in the general population.” Hearing loss is one of the most common physical ailments for the general public, third only to heart disease and arthritis respectively.
So what is the heart-hearing link? Cardiovascular disease is a disease of the heart and blood vessels. Many of the problems surrounding heart disease are a direct result of a condition called atherosclerosis in which plaque builds up on the arteries, narrowing the arterial path, making it harder for blood to flow through the veins, arteries and ultimately bodily organs. The inner ear is extremely sensitive to blood flow. If blood flow is inadequate, interrupted or the vessels suffer a trauma, the result can be damage to the inner ear nerves, negatively impacting a person’s ability to hear. In fact, the nerves in the inner ear as so fragile that Harvard researches believe they may be the first organ affected by cardiovascular disease. In essence, hearing loss may be one of the earliest indicators of heart disease.
A leading researcher in the area of the heart-hearing link is David R. Friedland, MD, PhD, Professor and Vice-Chair of Otolaryngology and Communication Sciences at the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee. He has been studying the relationship for years and says “The inner ear is so sensitive to blood flow that it is possible that abnormalities in the cardiovascular system could be noted here earlier than in other less sensitive parts of the body.”
Subsequently, a healthy cardiovascular system can have a positive impact on hearing. It’s important to adopt a lifestyle that supports both a healthy heart and healthy hearing. The American Heart Association suggest the following to a healthier life: get active, reduce stress, eat healthy, lose weight, quit smoking, get adequate sleep, watch your cholesterol, manage blood pressure, and reduce your blood sugar and risk for diabetes. Also, incorporate hearing checks into your routine medical exams.
Cardiovascular disease is the cause of more deaths than cancer, chronic lower respiratory diseases, and accidents combined. It is not only the leading cause of death in America, but globally accounts for 17.3 million per year with the American Heart Association estimating that number to grow to more than 23.6 million by 2030. A healthy heart and hearing are not only beneficial to one’s physical well-being but are also beneficial to a positive outcome and an optimum quality of life.
University of Wisconsin conducted a study and found that men aged 48 to 92 who hunted regularly were more likely to experience high-frequency hearing loss, a risk that increased seven percent for every five years a man had been hunting. People who regularly participate in target shooting or have done so in the past year are more at risk for hearing loss.
Did you know the kind of gun you use changes your risk of hearing loss?
THE ONLY SHOOTING THAT DOES NOT HURT YOUR HEARING IS FROM A BB OR PELLET GUN!
Even bystanders are at risk! If you shoot a bow but are around others using guns, you need to have hearing protection on as well!
Tips for Shooters to Reduce Hearing Loss Risks
Keep disposable hearing protective devices on hand.
Double-protect when using large-caliber guns or when many shots will be fired.
Consider smaller calibers (for example, a 7mm-08 rifle instead of a .30-.06, or a 20-gauge shotgun rather than 12-gauge).
Choose a single-shot or bolt-action over a semi-automatic weapon.
Avoid shooting in groups, especially at indoor or enclosed firing ranges.
Choose firearms with longer barrels (farther from the ear).
Consider using low-recoil (low-noise) ammo.
When hunting in a blind, make sure the muzzle is outside the blind before pulling the trigger.
Use nonlinear or appropriate electronic ear protection for hunting.
If you plan to be in any sort of loud environment, contact Hearing Health Center to discuss your hearing protection options!
Written by: Ali Marquess, Audiology Technician
Citations
Flamme, G. A., Wong, A., Liebe, K., & Lynd, J. (2009). Estimates of the auditory risk from outdoor impulse noise II: Civilian firearms. Noise Health, 11, 231–242.
Nondahl, D. M. “Recreational Firearm Use and Hearing Loss.” Archives of Family Medicine, vol. 9, no. 4, Jan. 2000, pp. 352–357., doi:10.1001/archfami.9.4.352.
Stewart, PhD Michael. “Bigger Caliber, Bigger Boom.” The ASHA Leader, American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, 1 Feb. 2013, leader.pubs.asha.org/article.aspx?articleid=1784775.
Feb 2013, ASHA Leader, Vol 18, 48-53.
Tell me again you love me, Momma, I can hear you now.” The simple phrase from a seven-year-old boy who had lost his hearing after recovering from brain cancer meant everything to Dr. Ronna Fisher.
“It was one of the most gratifying moments of my life. Everyone in the room was crying,” she recalls. “I knew then I had found the purpose for my foundation; these children with brain cancer have a need no one is filling.”
Fisher started her Fisher Foundation for Hearing Health Care nonprofit in 2005; it provides hearing aids to anyone who cannot afford them, as the costs are not usually covered.
Walking into a busy restaurant, a work meeting, or even a family gathering, you may feel overwhelmed and frustrated with all the sounds your hearing instruments are picking up. This is normal! Even people with normal hearing have difficulty in these situations. Here are some tips to help you hear your best:
1. Always sit facing the person that you are trying to hear, and put your back to the crowd/noise! Do not sit with your back to a wall and face the crowd.
2. Make sure there is adequate lighting. A dark restaurant makes it difficult to read facial expressions and lips.
3. If you are in a large meeting, ask if the room is looped or if they have assistance for the hearing impaired.
4. Use a remote microphone to hear the speaker (if your hearing aids are compatible).
5. Turn down the noise if possible (turn off the television, turn down the radio).
6. Do not be afraid to tell people when you didn’t hear them! If you do not understand something, ask that the speaker repeat or rephrase. You would be surprised by how many other people also missed what was said!
7. Find a quiet place to talk. Stay away from speaker systems and music while talking with others.
Hearing aids, like all electronic or mechanical devices, need routine maintenance! No matter what style of hearing aid you have, they are all electronic devices that are put in a sweaty, waxy, moist environment for an average of 18 hours a day so they need daily maintenance to function properly and consistently.
Below, are some tips to help keep your hearing aids functioning well:
Wipe down hearing aid and/or dome daily with a tissue or moist wipe
Brush microphones, receivers, and other parts of hearing aid daily– you can use what was given to you by your audiologist, or a small soft baby toothbrush
Hearing aids that have wax guard systems—check and change at least once month, or anytime the wax guard is clogged and you’re not hearing well. Wax guards are available for purchase at all offices!
Domes should be replaced if they start to get loose or saggy, so they don’t get stuck in the ear canal. Consider changing your domes every couple of months to prevent this from happening.
Open battery door at night to turn your hearing aids off and let air into the battery compartment. This should also save you some battery life!
Do not store the hearing in a humid environment (i.e. bathroom).
Put the hearing aids in a Drying Unit at night! Most units have fans to circulate the air, UV lights to kill bacteria, and a desiccant to remove moisture and humidity from the hearing aids. If you don’t have one, GET ONE!
IT’S VERY IMPORTANT TO PROTECT YOUR INVESTMENT
Remember—daily maintenance will improve the performance of the hearing aid, but it will not necessarily extend the life of a hearing aid. National average lifetime of a hearing aid is 3.8 years—at that point it is time to consider upgrading technology so that you can continue to hear as best as you can!
At Hearing Health Center, we are always inspired by those giving back to their communities. Meet 10-year-old Braden Baker, who is hearing impaired and has dedicated his young life to raising funds for those who can’t afford to buy hearing aids. Watch his recent segment on the Ellen show to see how he’s been changing lives around the world!
Similar to Braden’s efforts, the Fisher Foundation (founded by Hearing Health Center’s president, Dr. Ronna Fisher) provides hearing healthcare and support to those in need and unable to afford services.
It is heartwarming to know that the Fisher Foundation belongs to the same community of people who want to make a difference in someone’s life.
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Potassium 
University of Wisconsin conducted a study and found that men aged 48 to 92 who hunted regularly were more likely to experience high-frequency hearing loss, a risk that increased seven percent for every five years a man had been hunting. People who regularly participate in target shooting or have done so in the past year are more at risk for hearing loss.
