Hearing Loss & Dietary Supplements

Many older adults suffer some hearing loss, and it affects a third of people over age 60, according to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. About 15 percent of younger people experience hearing loss too. Certain dietary supplements may help slow or prevent hearing loss. Everyone has unique nutritional needs, so consult your doctor before using supplements to remedy hearing loss.

Hearing Loss & Nutrition

Difficulty hearing while on the telephone, straining to hear conversations and asking people to repeat themselves may be signs of hearing loss. Hearing problems develop in many adults as they age, for reasons that are poorly understood. Hearing loss can also result from excessive exposure to loud noise. Less common causes are infection, heart conditions, tumors and certain medications. Dietary supplements may slow or prevent hearing loss by supporting the body's natural defenses against hearing loss and preventing nutritional deficiencies that are associated with the condition.

Vitamins

Certain vitamins can help ease hearing loss by providing antioxidant protection, correcting nutritional deficiencies, increasing blood circulation, enhancing your immune system and combating infection. These include vitamins A, B complex, C and E. Vitamins are available in capsule or tablet form, alone or in combination with other vitamins, minerals and herbs.

Minerals

Minerals can be helpful in combating hearing loss. Magnesium prevents damage to the hair cells in the inner ear, potassium supports nerve impulse transmission, and zinc enhances immunity. Manganese may also be useful, because a deficiency is linked to ear disorders. Minerals also help balance vitamin and other nutrient levels in your body.

Other Nutrients

Additional nutrients may alleviate or prevent hearing loss. Coenzyme Q10, often called CoQ10, is an antioxidant -- a substance that combats cellular damage caused by free radicals. CoQ10 supports your immune system and increases circulation to your ears. Essential fatty acids and N-acetylcysteine aid in maintaining the health of your ears by reducing excessive wax production and clearing excess fluids from your ear canal. Your ears are then better able to defend against infection and maintain the normal function of your cells.

Considerations

While dietary supplements can help delay or prevent hearing loss, you must understand and address the root cause of your hearing problems, especially any medical causes. Dietary supplements can have strong effects on your body, may interact with medications and can cause problems if used inappropriately. So before taking nutritional supplements, consult your doctor to assure that they're right for your unique hearing and health requirements.