Natural Remedies for Hearing Loss

As you age it is somewhat expected that you will eventually struggle with weak hearing.

According to Natural News,

“Hearing loss is the most common sensory disorder in the United States, and more than 36 million Americans have lost some of their hearing.”

Various research shows that hearing loss may be related to nutritional deficiency. Now there may be ways to slow down this progression simply through diet and various supplements.

B3, 9 and 12

Vitamins B3 (nicotinamide riboside – NR), B9 (folate or folic acid) and B12 could be highly beneficial in delaying or preventing hearing loss.

B3

Published in Cell Metabolism a study conducted by researchers from Weill Cornell Medical College and the Gladstone Institutes showed that B3 may be a potential precursor for increasing specific protein activity to protect against hearing loss as well as other age related conditions.

B12 and Folate 

In a rare study regarding vitamin deficiency and hearing loss, published in the Journal of Clinical Nutrition (1998) it was concluded that,

“Poor vitamin B-12 and folate status may be associated with age-related auditory dysfunction.”

Folate or folic acid, also known as B9, has been found to slow down low frequency range hearing loss in a 2007 study by scientists from Wageningen University in the Netherlands.

In 2009 a Boston research team presented findings at the American Academy of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery Foundation (AAO-HNSF) Annual Meeting in San Diego showing,

“..that when men over the age of 60 had a high folate intake from foods and/or vitamins, they decreased their risk of losing their hearing by 20%.” (NN)

Then, in a combined Australian study published in the Journal of Nutrition, results showed that,

“People with low levels of folate (below 11 nano-moles per liter) had a 34% increased risk of hearing loss.”

If hearing loss is something you are struggling with see your doctor immediately. Talk to your physician about the safety of increasing your B3, B12 and folate intake regarding your individual health history.

Fish and Omega-3

Eating fish may be helpful for your hearing longevity as well.

A large scale study (1,038,093 participants) was conducted by researchers from various Massachusetts medical facilities titled,

‘Fish and fatty acid consumption and the risk of hearing loss in women’ reporting that,

“After adjusting for potential confounding variables, the researchers found that the risk of hearing loss in women who ate two or more servings of fish per week was 20 percent lower than in women who ate no fish. In addition, women with the highest intake of long-chain omega-3s had a 22 percent lower risk of hearing loss than women with the lowest intake.” (NN)

It was concluded that,

“Regular fish consumption and higher intake of long-chain omega-3 PUFAs [polyunsaturated fatty acids] are associated with lower risk of hearing loss in women.”

Eating small fish to reduce mercury intake or taking a daily omega-3 fish oil capsule may be the best choice to protect your hearing. Talk to your doctor about proper dosing.

D and Mg

In addition to specific supplementation such as B’s and omega-3’s, there are other nutritional choices for hearing loss prevention.

Vitamin D – Because vitamin D is essential for bone health as well as other systemic processes, those that lack this nutrient could suffer from osteopenia or a softening of the bones.

When this happens to the bones in the ear (the smallest in the body by the way) it can lead to hearing loss or even deafness.

Vitamin D replenishment has been shown to not only correct hearing loss but in some cases even deafness. Talk to your doctor for proper intake.

Magnesium – Magnesium is a powerful mineral essential for various bodily functions. When it comes to hearing loss this mineral could be another tool in your nutritional toolbox. A study by researchers at the Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Rabin Medical Center, Petah Tikva, Israel it was found that,

“Magnesium is a relatively safe and convenient adjunct to steroid treatment for enhancing the improvement in hearing, especially in the low-tone range, in patients with sudden sensorineural hearing loss.”

Proper magnesium dosage is essential, so speak to your physician for guidance before using.

These natural remedies for hearing loss are a good way to walk into old age, hearing it all. Eat sensibly, exercise and keep these nutrients coming for optimal auditory and systemic health.