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The Best Foods For Hearing Health

Research shows that a healthy diet could delay or slow down the progression of hearing loss. Find out what foods are best for your hearing health!

Author:
Nicole Brener
The Best Foods For Hearing Health

Hearing loss can occur for many reasons, including aging, long-term exposure to loud noise, and certain diseases or medical treatments. 

While we've talked about protecting hearing health by wearing ear protection and practicing healthy hearing habits, recent findings suggest that the foods you eat can also impact the progression of hearing loss.

Although there is no evidence that diet can reverse hearing loss, research indicates that a healthy diet could delay or slow the progression of hearing decline. So, what exactly should we be eating to protect our hearing?

The Role of Nutrition in Hearing Health

Several studies highlight the protective effects of certain nutrients against hearing loss. Diets rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and healthy fats can reduce the risk of hearing decline. 

Specifically, vitamins A, C, E, along with zinc and magnesium, have been shown to help reduce the risk of noise-related hearing loss. These nutrients fight oxidative stress, which damages the inner ear over time.

Drinking plenty of fluid is also important since hydration also plays a role in hearing health. Maintaining a balanced diet, particularly reducing sodium and sugar intake, may help manage tinnitus symptoms, a condition often associated with hearing loss​.

According to Hearing Health & Technology Matters and the American Tinnitus Association, these are some foods for hearing loss based on their nutrient content:

What Foods Can Help with Hearing Loss

  1. Fruits and Vegetables:

 Rich in vitamins A, C, and E, as well as antioxidants, which help protect the ear from oxidative stress.

  • Examples: Oranges, berries, spinach, kale, carrots, sweet potatoes.
  1. Nuts and Seeds:

 Excellent sources of zinc and magnesium, which help reduce the risk of noise-induced hearing loss.

  • Examples: Almonds, walnuts, flaxseeds, sunflower seeds.
  1. Fish:

 Fatty fish like salmon and mackerel are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which support overall ear health by improving blood flow to the inner ear.

  • Examples: Salmon, mackerel, sardines.
  1. Whole Grains:

 These provide essential vitamins and minerals while helping maintain stable blood sugar levels, which is beneficial for hearing health.

  • Examples: Brown rice, oats, quinoa, whole wheat.
  1. Low-fat Dairy

Contains calcium and vitamin D, both of which support the health of the tiny bones in the middle ear.

  • Examples: Yogurt, milk, cheese.
  1. Legumes

Packed with folic acid (vitamin B9), which has been shown to slow down age-related hearing loss.

  • Examples: Lentils, chickpeas, black beans.
  1. Dark Chocolate

A good source of zinc, which is important for hearing function and helps fight against oxidative stress in the inner ear.

  • Examples: Dark chocolate (with at least 70% cacao).
  1. Hydration

Adequate water intake is crucial, as dehydration can negatively impact hearing, particularly for those managing conditions like tinnitus​(

Incorporating these foods and vitamins into your diet can help protect your hearing and support overall ear health.

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Case Study: The Link Between Diet and Hearing Health

Over the course of 22 years, researchers at Brigham and Women’s Hospital tracked the hearing health of more than 70,000 women. The goal of the study was to investigate the relationship between diet and hearing health.

These women followed specific diets known for promoting overall health: 

  1. The Alternate Mediterranean Diet (AMED)
  2. Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH)
  3. The Alternative Healthy Eating Index-2010 (AHEI-2010)

Each of these diets emphasizes the consumption of nutrient-dense foods such as fruits, vegetables, seeds, nuts, legumes, whole grains, seafood, poultry, and low-fat dairy. 

At the same time, they recommend limiting foods high in sodium, cholesterol (LDL), and processed ingredients, while discouraging the intake of red meats and sugary drinks.

The results of the study showed that participants who adhered more closely to these dietary patterns had a lower risk of hearing loss. This is because these diets are rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory nutrients that can protect the delicate cells in the inner ear. These nutrients also support good cardiovascular health, which is essential for maintaining proper blood flow to the ears.

The takeaway from this study is clear: what we eat affects not only our heart, brain, and body but also our hearing. A diet filled with wholesome, unprocessed foods can help preserve your hearing well into the future. 

Can Supplements Support Hearing Health?

While vitamins and minerals can help support hearing health, taking them as supplements may be beneficial, particularly if you are deficient in these nutrients or if consuming them solely in whole-food form can result in challenges. 

However, it's generally more effective to get these nutrients through a balanced diet, as whole foods offer additional benefits. Before starting supplements, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider to avoid any potential risks 

Conclusion

What you eat can play a role in hearing health, especially in the long term. By practicing healthy hearing habits, wearing hearing protection, and incorporating nutrient-dense, whole foods into your diet, you can help preserve your hearing as you age. 

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Nicole Brener

Copywriter based in Miami, FL. Leads copywriting workshops and mentors women entrepreneurs at the Idea Center of Miami Dade College.

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The Best Foods For Hearing Health

Key Findings

  • Workplace Impact: 62% of Deaf and 66% of Hard-of-Hearing individuals report that communication barriers hinder career mobility.
  • Healthcare Challenges: 62% of Deaf and 66% of Hard-of-Hearing individuals experience communication barriers in healthcare settings, contributing to delays in treatment.
  • Concerns About Emergency Communications: 20% of Deaf and 24.3% Hard-of-Hearing users also expressed serious concerns that communication barriers would prohibit them from contacting healthcare personnel in an emergency situation.
  • Independence Boost: Assistive technology nearly doubled rates of independence, with 60% of Deaf users and 63% of Hard-of-Hearing users reporting increased autonomy.
  • Emotional Strain: 55% of Deaf users and 83% of Hard-of-Hearing users reported emotional distress due to communication frustrations.
  • Social and Professional Opportunities: 46% of Deaf and 32.9% of Hard-of-Hearing users saw improved social and career prospects thanks to assistive technologies.

Empowering the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Through Technology: A New Era of Communication and Independence

At Nagish, we’ve seen firsthand just how much communication shapes daily life for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing communities. Our recent survey highlights the significant barriers they face in the workplace, healthcare settings, and in their social lives. But it also sheds light on a powerful solution: assistive technology. The results of this survey reinforce our commitment to empowering these communities and remind us why our mission matters: with access to the right tools, independence grows, opportunities expand, and well-being improves.

We collected data through a comprehensive survey involving over 300 individuals who are Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing and currently use hearing assistive technology. The survey included 179 Deaf and 140 Hard-of-Hearing participants, with data collected in an inclusive and accessible manner to ensure that everyone could participate and share their experiences without barriers.Communication Barriers in the Workplace: Limiting Career Mobility

Communication challenges in the workplace remain one of the most significant hurdles for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing individuals, preventing them from fully realizing their career potential. Assistive technology offers a solution by removing these barriers and expanding access to a broader range of job opportunities and career growth.

A majority of Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing participants reported that communication barriers affected their career decisions, making it harder to pursue job opportunities or advance in their careers.

Deaf Participants

Hard-of-Hearing participants

65% of Deaf users rely on assistance from hearing individuals at least once a week to communicate effectively, which can limit their ability to fully engage in dynamic work environments.

Communication Barriers in Healthcare: A Matter of Public Safety
Communication challenges are not just a workplace issue — they extend into healthcare settings, where they can directly impact individuals’ health outcomes. Accessible communication tools are essential for ensuring that Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing individuals can receive timely and accurate medical care, especially in emergency situations

Many Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing users face communication barriers in healthcare settings, which can lead to missed appointments, misunderstandings about medical treatments, and delayed care.

Deaf users:

62%

Hard of Hearing users:

66%

Some Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing users have concerns about reaching healthcare professionals in emergencies, highlighting serious public safety risks.

Deaf users

Hard-of-Hearing users

Empowering Independence Through Assistive Technology
One of the most encouraging findings from our survey is just how much independence is boosted with assistive technology. This improvement in independence is not just about doing things on their own; it’s about having the confidence and ability to engage fully in both professional and personal settings.

Assistive technology has significantly increased the independence of Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing users in managing daily tasks, showing clear improvements after adoption.

Deaf users

Hard-of-Hearing users

Expanding Social and Professional Opportunities
Beyond independence, assistive technology creates connection.By removing communication barriers that keep people from joining in socially or professionallyassistive technology allows users to engage more deeply in social activities and pursue career opportunities that were previously out of reach.

Assistive technology has helped Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing users expand their social networks and professional opportunities, enabling new connections and career growth.

Emotional and Psychological Impact: The Hidden Toll of Communication Barriers
People often overlook the emotional and psychological toll of communication , but they can have a profound impact on the mental well-being of Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing individuals. Assistive technology can help alleviate this emotional strain, empowering users to communicate more effectively and reducing the anxiety associated with relying on others for basic communication.

A significant number of Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing users experience frustration and anxiety when communicating with family and friends, leading to isolation and stress.

Deaf users

Hard-of-Hearing users

Why This Matters: A Call for Widespread Adoption of Assistive Technologies
The findings from our survey are clear: communication barriers continue to limit the lives of Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing individuals in many areas, from the workplace to healthcare to their social lives. What’s also clear to us is that the question isn’t whether assistive technology helps—it’s how quickly we can make this powerful solution universally available.. By making these tools more accessible, we can open up new opportunities for individuals to thrive in their careers, maintain better health, and lead more independent lives.
At Nagish, we are committed to advocating for the integration of assistive technologies in all aspects of life. Whether it’s in healthcare, the workplace, or social settings, these technologies have the potential to create a more inclusive society where Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing individuals can live fully empowered lives. 
Our hope is that these findings inspire not just awareness, but action. We hope this survey creates awareness and action in promoting accessibility and inclusion for these communities. Together, we can create a world where everyone, regardless of their hearing abilities, has equal access to opportunities and services.