Eating more seafood may reduce the risk of developing hearing problems by as much as 20 percent, one study suggests.
Scientists have found that consuming higher levels of an omega-3 found in oily fish may help reduce the likelihood of hearing problems as people age.
Researchers analyzed data on self-reported hearing status and levels of the omega-3 fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in the blood of more than 100,000 people.
They found that people with the highest blood levels of DHA were 16 percent less likely to say they had trouble hearing compared to those with the lowest.
Higher levels of an omega-3 in oily fish may reduce the likelihood of hearing problems as people age, scientists say
These people were also 11 percent less likely to say they had trouble following conversations when there was background noise.
The team, from the University of Guelph in Canada, said the findings add to a growing body of evidence on the importance of omega-3 fatty acids, including DHA in particular.
They said omega-3s may help protect the health of cells in the inner ear or alleviate inflammatory responses to loud noises, chemicals or infections.
Previous studies conducted in older adults and in animals have also suggested that higher omega-3 levels are inversely related to and may protect against age-related hearing loss.
Our bodies have a limited ability to produce DHA, so the amount of DHA found in our blood and tissues largely depends on our omega-3 intake.
Previous studies conducted in older adults and in animals have also suggested that higher omega-3 levels are inversely related to and may protect against age-related hearing loss
Levels can be increased by regularly consuming seafood such as salmon, mackerel or sardines, or by taking dietary supplements.
Dr. Michael McBurney, who led the study, said: ‘Higher DHA levels have previously been associated with a lower risk of heart disease, cognitive impairment and death.
“Our study extends these findings to suggest a role for DHA in preserving auditory function and helping to reduce the risk of age-related hearing loss.”
It is estimated that there are around 11 million people in the UK with hearing loss, which can range from mild to profound.
The condition affects one in six adults – making it the second most common disability – and numbers are expected to rise as the population ages in the coming decades.
Proven ways to prevent the risk of hearing loss include protecting the ears from loud noises and getting appropriate medical care for ear infections.
The findings were presented at the annual meeting of the American Society for Nutrition.
WHAT SHOULD A BALANCED DIET LOOK LIKE?
Meals should be based on potatoes, bread, rice, pasta or other starchy carbohydrates, ideally whole grains, according to the NHS
• Eat at least 5 servings of different fruits and vegetables every day. All fresh, frozen, dried and canned fruit and vegetables count
• Basic meals based on potatoes, bread, rice, pasta or other starchy carbohydrates, preferably whole grains
• 30 grams of fiber per day: This is equivalent to eating all of the following: 5 servings of fruits and vegetables, 2 whole-wheat muesli biscuits, 2 thick slices of whole-wheat bread, and a large baked potato with skin
• Provide dairy or dairy alternatives (such as soy drinks) and choose lower-fat, lower-sugar options
• Eat some beans, legumes, fish, eggs, meat and other proteins (including 2 servings of fish per week, one of which is fatty)
• Choose unsaturated oils and spreads and consume in small quantities
• Drink 6-8 cups/glasses of water per day
• Adults should have less than 6 g of salt and 20 g of saturated fat for women or 30 g for men per day
Source: NHS Eatwell Guide