We all know how important eating healthy is to lower your risk of disease and improve your overall quality of life. Research has shown that a healthy diet may even reduce your risk of hearing loss.
Healthy Diets Associated with Lower Hearing Loss Risk
A 2022 study wanted to examine the link between diet and hearing loss. Researchers examined data from 3,135 women that included three years of self-reported eating habits as well as results from hearing tests.
Results showed that participants who reported eating healthier diets had lower rates of hearing loss. In particular, women with healthy diets were 25% less likely to develop high-frequency hearing loss and 30% less likely to develop mid-frequency hearing loss.
For this study, healthy diets included the Mediterranean diet, Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) and the Alternate Healthy Eating Index 2010.
Three Ways Healthy Eating Helps Your Hearing
- Lowers your risk of certain diseases. Eating healthy is a great way to help prevent or reduce your risk of developing conditions like high blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes, among others. These conditions can impact blood flow and cause damage to your inner ear, leading to hearing loss.
- Important source of antioxidants. A diet high in fruits and vegetables provides your body with ample antioxidants. Antioxidants help protect your body from oxidative stress and lower inflammation in the body.
- Provides hearing-healthy vitamins and minerals. Additionally, healthy diets are full of nutrients like potassium, magnesium, folate and zinc, all of which may benefit hearing health.
Can Eating Healthy Prevent All Hearing Loss?
While eating healthy is a great way to help reduce your risk of hearing loss, it can’t prevent it entirely. There are many different reasons hearing loss can occur, some of which, like genetics or aging, are not within your control.
If you develop signs of permanent hearing loss, it’s important to make an appointment with an audiologist. They will perform a complete exam, including a hearing test, to help determine if you have hearing loss and whether or not it’s permanent.
Most cases of permanent hearing loss are treated with hearing aids. The right pair can help you hear better whether at work, home or spending time with friends at 1836 Texas Kitchen.
To learn more about how hearing aids can help you or to schedule an appointment to have your hearing tested, call SoundLogic today.