By Joy Pierce Mathews for Summit Medical Group
Reviewed by Susan Canonico, RD

Data from the National Health Interview Survey of Disability suggest that more than 10 million Americans aged 18 and older have difficulty hearing in a normal conversation. More commonly referred to as hearing loss, the condition can negatively affect emotional, physical, and social well being. For example, people with hearing loss are more likely to experience depression, feel dissatisfied with life, and withdraw from social activities.

Causes of hearing loss include:
• Age
• Family history
• Smoking
• Repeated exposure to loud noises
• Certain medical conditions, including diabetes and cardiovascular disease

Although some hearing loss is natural with age and cannot be entirely prevented, there are steps you can take to protect your hearing, including avoiding exposure to loud noises, not smoking, successfully managing blood sugar, protecting your cardiovascular health, and eating a diet high in omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs).

Recent data from the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council Blue Mountains Hearing Study show that eating long-chain omega–3 PUFAs found in fish such as salmon, halibut, mackerel, and sole can help prevent or delay age-related hearing loss. A population-based study in 2956 participants aged 50 years and older, the Blue Mountains Hearing trial found that participants who ate 2 or more servings of fish per week had 42% less risk of developing hearing loss compared with those who had a serving or less of fish per week. Researchers also found that hearing loss progression was delayed in participants with existing hearing loss who ate between 1 and 2 servings of fish per week.

Researchers believe the association between omega-3 PUFAs and hearing loss stems from the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids and fish on the cardiovascular system. In other words, adequate blood flow in general, and to the part of the inner ear responsible for hearing (the cochlea) in particular, has a significant positive effect on cochlear function and, therefore, hearing. In addition, researchers for the Blue Mountains Hearing Study postulate that regularly eating omega-3 PUFAs might help prevent inflammatory processes associated with cardiovascular disease that might in turn have a negative effect on hearing.

Although they welcome additional studies to further support their findings, the Blue Mountains researchers believe that identifying and developing potential protective or therapeutic treatments is especially important given the growing population of adults who are likely to experience age-related hearing loss. They note, “Our findings suggest that a relatively simple prevention strategy of increasing the consumption of fish and omega-3 PUFAs in the diet could help preserve cochlear function and reduce hearing loss associated with increasing age.”

Summit Medical Group registered dietitian Susan Canonico says, “Overly processed fish such as fish sticks won’t offer the same benefits as unprocessed fish.” Instead, Ms. Canonico recommends fresh fish that is baked, broiled, or grilled for a hearing- and heart-healthy twist. “My favorite salmon recipe is easy and delicious,” says Ms. Canonico. “It works well with haddock and other fishes such as sole, too. Click here if you’d like to give Savory Salmon Salsa a try!”

If you believe you are experiencing hearing loss,
click hear to take our Five-minute Hearing Test.

To schedule an appointment for a hearing test,
please call Summit Medical Group Audiology at 908-277-8868.