Foods that Boost Hearing Health

Hearing loss can creep up at any age and without notice. That’s why it’s important to tend to your auditory health before you’re even fitted with hearing devices. Maintaining a balanced diet is an important step towards taking better care of your ears. Read on to learn more about hearing-friendly foods.

• Potassium-rich foods

Foods like bananas, cooked spinach and broccoli, potatoes, and mushrooms are rich in potassium which regulates the fluid in the inner ear that converts sound into nerve impulses. Since potassium levels drop as we age, it’s important to maintain healthy levels of this mineral to prevent against age-related hearing loss.

• Fish

Fish is rich in heart-healthy Omega 3 as well as Vitamin D, that strengthens the middle bones in the ear and combats against osteopenia and otosclerosis. These conditions cause the bones in the body to lose density, and bones in the middle ear to get stuck in place. When the bone is unable to vibrate, sound is unable to travel through the ear. This may result in hearing loss, tinnitus, vertigo, etc. It’s recommended you eat two portions of fresh, unprocessed fish per week to prevent against permanent hearing damage.

Pro tip: Make sure to especially stock up on Vitamin D supplements since your body will not be exposed to as much sunshine during this time

• Nuts and seeds

Foods like flaxseeds, chia seeds, and walnuts are also rich in Omega 3 which boost hearing health.

• Zinc-rich foods

Foods like lentils, split peas, and dried beans that are rich in zinc support the immune system and are also associated with combatting tinnitus or ringing in the ears.

• Dark chocolate

A popular confectionary, dark chocolate will keep your magnesium levels up while also tending to your sweet tooth. Magnesium helps expand blood vessels which can improve circulation in the ear, and prevent against noise-induced hearing loss. Limit your intake to an ounce a day, and try not to go overboard!

In our quest to make hearing health services more accessible, our partner clinics are offering free hearing tests across the country. We’ll zero in on a location close to you, and you’ll benefit not only from a free test, but also recommendations regarding what hearing solutions to use in line with your specific preferences and lifestyle. Sign up for a free hearing test near you.

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