Are there natural ways to prevent age-related hearing decline?

A new study reveals that an increase in omega-3 intake, specifically DHA, could aid in protecting auditory health and reducing the risk of age-related hearing loss.

Increasing DHA, a type of omega-3, could be a potent strategy for safeguarding auditory health and mitigating age-related hearing loss as suggested by new research.

A new population-based study has discovered an inverse correlation between blood levels of omega-3 fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and hearing impairment.

Middle-aged and elderly adults with elevated DHA levels were 8-20% less prone to experience age-related hearing difficulties compared to those with diminished DHA levels.

Can omega-3s protect against hearing loss?

“Higher DHA levels have previously been found to be associated with a lower risk of heart disease, cognitive impairment, and death. Our study extends these findings to suggest a role for DHA in maintaining auditory function and helping reduce the risk of age-related hearing loss,” stated Michael I. McBurney, PhD, a senior scientist at the Fatty Acid Research Institute and an adjunct professor in the Department of Human Health & Nutritional Sciences at the University of Guelph and the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University.

McBurney, a member of both the American Society for Nutrition and the Canadian Nutrition Society, will discuss these findings at NUTRITION 2023, the prominent annual meeting of the American Society for Nutrition, which will be held from July 22–25 in Boston.

DHA levels and age-related hearing difficulties

The research team utilized data from the UK Biobank, analyzing the self-reported hearing status and blood DHA levels of over 100,000 individuals aged between 40 and 69 years residing in the United Kingdom.

Upon adjusting for possible confounding variables, the results indicated that participants in the highest quintile (or one-fifth) of blood DHA levels were 16% less likely to confirm difficulty hearing and 11% less likely to admit to trouble following conversations amidst background noise compared to those in the lowest quintile of DHA levels.

Can upping omega-3 intake protect my hearing?

While these results highlight a significant link between DHA levels and hearing, McBurney warned that a cross-sectional population study does not furnish adequate evidence to conclusively state that DHA aids in preserving auditory function or that insufficient DHA levels lead to hearing loss.

Nevertheless, these findings contribute to a growing consensus on the importance of omega-3 fatty acids, particularly DHA, for health maintenance and protection against age-related functional decline.

Can DHA-rich foods really slow down hearing decline?

Omega-3s could be instrumental in preserving the health of inner ear cells or in reducing inflammatory responses to loud noises, chemicals, or infections. Previous studies involving older adults and animals have suggested a similar inverse relation between higher omega-3 levels and protection against age-related hearing loss.

Our bodies’ ability to produce DHA is limited, hence the amount of DHA present in our blood and tissues largely depends on our omega-3 consumption.

What are the best dietary sources of DHA for hearing protection?

DHA levels can be boosted through regular seafood consumption or dietary supplements.

“There is strong evidence that higher blood levels of omega-3 fatty acids are beneficial,” McBurney added. “Fatty fish and omega-3 supplements are both good dietary sources. If choosing to use a dietary supplement, compare products by reading the Supplement Facts panel for eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)+DHA content.”

What percentage of the population is affected by hearing loss?

It is estimated that approximately 20% of the global population, exceeding 1.5 billion individuals, suffer from hearing loss. This number is expected to increase due to the aging population in the coming years. Hearing loss can vary from mild to severe, impacting communication, social interactions, education and employment opportunities, and various other aspects of everyday life.

Contributors to hearing loss include environmental factors, genetic predispositions, and certain medications. Established methods to lower the risk of hearing loss include using protective gear against loud noises and seeking timely medical care for infections.

Image Credit: Shutterstock