Hearing health is among the first few health-related parameters that wane as you age. Even in younger generations, there has been a noticeable decline in hearing health. And that is partly thanks to the lack of awareness about the impact our food has on our overall health. Not everyone around you knows how to deal with someone having hearing problems, so it is vital to practice precaution wherever possible. 

While hearing disability is far less commonly observed in the younger histogram, significant hearing loss is quite common and can lead to actual deafness earlier than expected. With the loss of this ability comes a never-ending struggle to function effectively in society and a heavy reliance on hearing aids. 

It is crucial to understand what nutritional values and organic foods can prevent hearing loss early on in life, as nature has its way of protecting this valuable sensory function.

A visual representation of how sound waves fail to reach the inner ear due to internal ear inflammation

How internal ear inflammation causes hearing loss

Nutrients to Ensure Good Ear Health

There is no miraculous treatment for hearing loss. However, you can add healthy options to your diet and protect your ear health from deteriorating but improving it.

Before jumping to the food options, you should know the significance of some nutrients and vitamins that are proven to protect from hearing loss. These include Magnesium, Zinc, Potassium, Folate, Omega-3 Fatty Acids, and Vitamin-C. These supplements are in a bunch of natural food options you may enjoy as a part of your daily diet.

Magnesium

Magnesium is the single most critical trace metal in your circulatory system for your ear health, as it reinforces the nervous function of the ear and protects hair cells in the ear that acts as a barrier to loud noises. It also maintains the oxygen level in the blood, which is significant for the proper functioning of the ears.

Zinc

Zinc is majorly responsible for boosting your body’s immune system. A healthy immune system dictates far less serious ear infections that can lead to complications such as tinnitus.

Potassium

The endolymphatic fluid in our ears is fundamental to the ear’s functioning. A decrease in the fluid can result in grave complications leading to deafness. Potassium ensures that the endolymphatic fluid in the ear replenishes. With age, Potassium is the most likely to fade away from your blood to cause hearing loss.

Folate

People underestimate the importance of a sound circulatory system. A good circulatory system ensures that the inner hair cells in our ears stay healthy and function properly. Folate aids in regulating our circulatory system. It is safe to say that any diet plan looking to improve hearing health must have Folate in it.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Fatty acids are often left out of our diet plans as they are not discussed enough. Omega-3s are essential if you plan on delaying, or preventing, hearing loss that comes with old age altogether. These fatty acids contribute to the proper health of our ears over time and let our ears stand the test of time.

Foods You Need to Add to Your Plate

While you might already be taking a significant part of these nutrients, knowing the entire food package is suitable for improving and protecting ear health. You don’t need to opt for less enjoyable food items as there are plenty of options for every necessary nutritional supplement.

Magnesium-rich food options:

Bananas (we can’t stress enough what a rich source of Magnesium these are), almonds, cashews, dark chocolate, avocados, whole grains, and spinach can be delightful options to ensure a Magnesium-rich diet.

Zinc-rich food options:

Oatmeal, beans, yogurt, lobster, crab, lentils, dark meat chicken, mushroom, garlic, and peanuts can boost your immune system and can be considered foods to prevent tinnitus or other ear complications such as presbycusis.

Potassium-rich food options:

Oranges, peas, cucumbers, eggs, watermelons, bananas (again), coconut, and mushrooms can significantly contribute to potassium intake. Apricots are also high in Potassium and have many other health benefits.

Folate-rich food options:

Chickpeas, fortified breakfast cereals, Brussels sprouts, bananas (eat bananas, ok?), lemons, sunflower seeds, and kidney beans are rich in Folate. Add broccoli to your diet to boost your Folate levels.

Omega-3-rich food options:

These fatty acids are most commonly occurring in fish. Salmon, tuna, mackerel, and oysters are exceptionally rich in Omega-3 fatty acids. Fortified milk and hemp seeds are also an excellent way to get your daily dose of Omega-3s.

Fish is rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Broccoli is a good source of Folates, which makes them effective against hearing loss

Foods Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Folates

Cooking Herbs That Are Good For Your Ear Health

To expect nothing to happen to your hearing ability because you feel like you can hear just fine is a bit fanciful. It can happen to anyone with the aging process. Because of its irreversible nature, people must opt for clinically-proven solutions such as assistive listening devices, hearing aids, or surgery.

It is only pragmatic to choose what you consume if you want to preserve your body’s sensory abilities. If consumed reasonably, many herbs can directly or indirectly contribute to one’s hearing health.

Hawthorn Berry:

Hawthorn berries have been widely used as an effective agent against high blood pressure and cardiovascular diseases. These great berries improve the circulatory system in the human body and regulate blood flow. Appropriate blood flow is essential for good ear health. So, eating Hawthorn berries now and then is a great idea.

Ginkgo Biloba:

Ginkgo Biloba is one ancient Chinese herb that has long been used for its unreal healing powers. Apart from its many benefits for your body, it has been known to treat inner ear disorders. Cochlear disorders are often normalized by better blood flow. This herb does precisely that which is why it is also considered among the best herbs for the inner ear.

Spearmint:

Most commonly known as a bubble gum flavor, Spearmint is a lot more than just effective branding. This species of mint not only has a lovely smell but is an excellent source of folic acid. 

Folic acid deficiency is disastrous for our ears. Spearmint makes sure that you never fall short of this crucial Vitamin-B. You can also make great tea out of it. Get some spearmint if you’re looking for a tea to cure tinnitus.

Turmeric:

You might have used Turmeric as a highly effective pain-killer or anti-inflammatory herb. It is substantially rich in Potassium. As discussed earlier, Potassium is responsible for maintaining the endolymphatic fluid level in our ears. Potassium also plays a vital role in the cellular interaction in our inner ear.

Dill:

Dill is an integral ingredient of many cuisines around the world. It is surprisingly rich in Zinc, so much so that one tablespoon of dill is said to have 0.1mg of Zinc, which implies that having dill in your diet can boost your immune system and help prevent infectious diseases harm your ear health.

Herbs can prove to be extremely useful against ear infections and can act as a remedy against ringing ears by boosting the immune system and the circulatory system

Herbs and teas to improve ear health

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How can I improve my hearing health naturally?

Our bodies have a natural way of healing the unhealthy parts. You need to avoid the factors that affect your ear health adversely. You should avoid loud noises, keep your ears dry and take the necessary vitamin supplements.

How can I cure my hearing loss naturally?

The inclusion of herbs and vitamins in your daily diet can prevent hearing loss in the first place. Ginkgo biloba extract is a favorite of the community that discusses prevention and cure for hearing loss. It is helpful with tinnitus and other diseases that can induce hearing loss.

Can food affect tinnitus?

A higher intake of fat and starch has been known to increase the odds of tinnitus. While diet is not strictly the causative agent behind tinnitus, it is essential to note that balanced food habits can significantly reduce the chances of ear diseases.

What vitamins are good for ear health?

Studies have shown that a high Vitamin A, C, and E intake improves ear health and prevents hearing loss. Also, B-12 deficiency is often linked to deterioration in ear health that may lead to tinnitus.