More than 10 percent of adults suffer from ringing in the ears -- also known as tinnitus -- the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association reports. Tinnitus can be a serious medical condition that interferes with work and leisure. If you have tinnitus, talk to your doctor about how you can reduce your symptoms. Additionally, you might want to add certain healthy foods to your diet that can help you manage ear ringing.
Oysters
Oysters are a natural, abundant source of the essential mineral zinc, which is involved in a number of processes in the body, from new cell formation to repair of DNA. According to the Institute of Optimum Nutrition, low zinc levels can induce tinnitus in certain people. It cites three research studies that correlated low levels of blood zinc with tinnitus symptoms. They add that zinc supplementation can improve symptoms in approximately 25 percent of tinnitus sufferers.
Lean Beef
Lean cuts of beef are rich in vitamin B12. The Institute of Optimum Nutrition says many people who struggle with ear ringing have low vitamin B12 levels. If you happen to work in a job in which you're regularly exposed to loud noises, your vitamin B12 stores can become rapidly depleted. While B12 supplements have been effective at treating tinnitus in certain people, the Institute of Optimum Nutrition warns that the effect of B12 from food has not been extensively studied.
Blueberries
Blueberries are an abundant source of antioxidants, which are compounds typically found in fruits, vegetables and whole grains that protect your body's cells from harm. Poor antioxidant intake can put your ear cells at risk of damage, which can lead to ringing in the ears, the "Archives of Medical Research" published in May 2007 reports. In this study, 31 volunteers with chronic tinnitus were given a supplement that contained antioxidants. The researchers found that the antioxidant supplement significantly decreased symptoms of tinnitus in nearly all of the volunteers.
Fatty Fish
Fatty fish are rich in anti-inflammatory omega-3 fats. According to the April 1999 issue of the "International Tinnitus Journal," elevated triglycerides -- a form of blood fat -- are commonly found in tinnitus sufferers. It notes that reducing high triglycerides can improve symptoms in many people. The National Institutes of Health reports that omega-3 fats from fish are an effective way to reduce triglycerides.
References
- American Speech-Language-Hearing Association: Tinnitus
- Institute for Optimum Nutrition: Tinnitus
- "Archives of Medical Research"; "Antioxidant therapy in idiopathic tinnitus: preliminary outcomes"; M. Savastano et al; May 2007
- "International Tinnitus Journal"; "Nutrition, Biochemistry and Tinnitus"; W. Rubin; April 1999
- National Institutes of Health: Fish oil
