There are a wide range of lifestyle adjustments you can make for healthy hearing at any age. Some of these are obvious, such as avoiding loud noises and getting regular hearing checks. Others are less so. For instance, did you know that what you eat can also impact your hearing health?

Image Source: CC0 License

There’s strong evidence to suggest that your diet can significantly hinder, or help, your ear health overall. Of course, you should always speak with professionals like those found at My Hearing Centers if you’re experiencing notable symptoms of hearing loss. However, if you simply want to stay on top of hearing health, or are considering potential improvements alongside a professional treatment plan, then keep on reading to find out what a hearing-healthy diet looks like. 

Getting the Right Nutrients

Your diet can impact hearing health in a wide range of ways, including by increasing blood flow and generally improving inner ear health. This is because eating the right foods ensures that your body is always getting the nutrients it needs to function effectively. As such, a hearing-healthy diet should always begin by ensuring that you know what your ears need, such as – 

  • Potassium: Potassium helps to regulate fluid in the inner ear, which is especially important as you age. 
  • Folic acid: Folic acid helps with red blood cell generation in the body, which can ensure the health of inner ear hair cells. 
  • Magnesium: Experts believe that magnesium can act as an inner ear barrier that protects your hearing from loud noises. 
  • Zinc: Zinc stands to help with cell growth and healing, and may be effective for avoiding ear infections. 
  • Omega 3 fatty acids: Omega 3s have anti-aging and anti-inflammatory properties that can help with age-related hearing loss. 

Image Source: CC0 License

The Best Foods For Ear Health

Now that you know which nutrients you need for improved ear health, it’s time to consider the best foods for getting them. Just a few of the top foods for hearing health include – 

  • Potassium-rich foods: Potassium-rich foods include fruits like bananas and oranges, as well as potatoes, spinach, and tomatoes. Potassium can also be found in some low-fat milk products. 
  • Folic acid foods: Foods high in folic acid include broccoli, asparagus, and fortified cereals. 
  • Foods containing magnesium: Magnesium is found in plant-based foods such as broccoli, potatoes, and bananas. 
  • Zinc-rich foods: Foods that are high in zinc include dark meats, nuts, and even dark chocolate. 
  • Foods with Omega 3s: Omega 3s are most commonly found in foods such as salmon, sardines, and certain oils. 

The Worst Foods for Ear Health

On the other hand, certain foods are famously bad for ear health. These include foods that are high in –

  • Excessive salt content
  • Sugar and refined carbs
  • Trans fats
  • Etc.

There are also links between caffeine or alcohol consumption and hearing loss, as both can cause dehydration and disrupt fluid in the inner ear. 

If you’re keen to start prioritizing hearing health at last, avoid these latter detrimental options in place of a diet that’s fit for fully functional ears at last.