Vitamins For Healthy Hearing

About 36 million Americans report some degree of hearing loss, according to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, and 25 million have experienced tinnitus -- ringing, roaring, buzzing in the ears. Certain vitamins may be helpful for maintaining healthy hearing and avoiding potential problems. Before taking vitamins, however, consult a nutritionally trained health-care professional to determine your individual needs for vitamin combinations, forms and dosage.

Hearing and Nutrition

Hearing is your ears' ability to perceive sounds that can be translated into meaningful information by your brain. It's possible for problems to arise with your hearing, such as hearing loss, tinnitus and acoustic neuroma. Hearing problems may result from aging, excessive exposure to loud noises, earwax buildup, ear infections, use of certain medications, medical conditions or an unknown reason. Nutrition can play a role in preventing hearing problems by supporting your body's natural hearing process and inherent immunity.

Vitamin A

Vitamin A may help maintain healthy hearing. According to Phyllis Balch, a certified nutritional consultant and author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," vitamin A can boost immunity -- in other words, increase your resistance to infection and enhance your body's ability to repair damage to your cells and tissues. Balch adds that vitamin A can benefit individuals with hearing impairment. Food sources of vitamin A precursors, carotenoids, include yellow and orange vegetables. Vitamin A may also be taken as a nutritional supplement.

Vitamin B Complex

B vitamins play a variety of roles in your body, including maintaining your skin, eyes, nerves and gastrointestinal system. B vitamins are also involved with the production of energy within your cells. Balch states that vitamin B complex reduces ear pressure and is essential for healing. Also, folic acid and vitamin B-12, in particular, are often deficient in people with hearing loss.

Vitamins C and E

Vitamins C and E are antioxidants -- substances that combat free-radical damage and help your body's tissues heal. Vitamin C is important for proper immune function and to avoid ear infections. Vitamin E increases circulation, which helps deliver useful nutrients to your cells, including those involved with hearing. Food sources of vitamins C and E include fruits and vegetables, vegetable oils, nuts and whole grains. Vitamins C and E are also available as capsules.

Disclaimer

While vitamins can help maintain your healthy hearing, address other hearing-related factors as well, such as noise exposure, medications and health conditions. Appropriate vitamin dosages vary by the individual, so for safety considerations, talk to your doctor about taking vitamins for healthy hearing.