We all know that eating healthier can help us live longer and feel better. Research suggests it might also help you prevent hearing loss.
Healthy Diets Linked to Better Hearing
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 experienced any moderate to severe hearing problems.
At the end of the study, 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 are Best for Hearing Health?
Next time you’re at the grocery store or Barton Creek Farmer’s Market consider stocking up on the following foods to protect your hearing health:
- Fatty fish. Fish like salmon, tuna, trout or sardines are all high in omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D, which are known to be good for your heart and can help reduce inflammation.
- Antioxidant rich vegetables. Foods like broccoli, asparagus and spinach can reduce the number of free radicals in your body.
- Foods high in magnesium and potassium. Bananas, dark chocolate, potatoes and artichokes are all good sources of these essential minerals.
- Whole grains. Whether it’s bread, pasta, brown rice or oatmeal — whole grains have been shown to be a staple of a heart-healthy diet, which in turn can benefit your hearing.
Other Ways to Protect Your Hearing
In addition to eating healthy, there are other steps you can take to protect your hearing. These include:
- Limit your exposure to loud noises and wear hearing protection devices like custom earplugs whenever you engage in activities with a volume over 85 decibels, such as hunting, riding motorcycles or going to rock concerts.
- Getting regular physical activity. Next to a healthy diet, regular exercise, whether it be a yoga class or daily walks around your neighborhood, can help prevent issues like high blood pressure which can damage your ears.
- Get your hearing checked. If you have signs of hearing loss, are over the age of 60, or are regularly exposed to loud noise through work, you should schedule a hearing test. These are quick, painless exams that give your audiologist insight into your degree of hearing loss and help them put together a custom treatment plan to maximize your hearing ability.
For additional questions or to schedule an appointment with one of our experts, contact Victory Hearing & Balance today.