Here And Now
Food for Hearing Health
Eating a well-balanced diet is essential for your body to function correctly, and your ears are no exception.
You ears need specific nutrients to support their peak performance. Consuming the right vitamins and minerals in your daily diet can aid the function of your ears throughout life. Here is our list of top foods that contain nutrients that are great for your ears and hearing health.
Garlic. Including garlic in your diet can help to increase blood circulation and reduce inflammation in the body.
Broccoli. Broccoli is packed full of vitamins and fibre and helps prevent free radicals from damaging the sensitive tissue in your ears.
Beans, lentils and peas. Dried beans, lentils and split peas are all great sources of zinc. Zinc supports the immune system and is important for growth and development.
Bananas. Bananas are a common food containing potassium. Potassium helps to convert sound into nerve impulses that are sent directly to the brain. As we age our potassium levels decrease, therefore maintaining health levels of this mineral is important for combatting age-related hearing loss.
Fish. Fish is one of the best foods for your overall health as it is rich in omega 3 and vitamin D. Vitamin D strengthens the middle bones in your ear helping to prevent ear conditions such as osteopenia and otosclerosis that can cause irreversible hearing loss.
Dark Chocolate. Dark chocolate contains magnesium which helps expand the blood vessels and improve circulation in your ear. We recommend keeping your dark chocolate intake to around 28g per day to avoid overindulging.
Whilst including these foods in your diet can help improve your ear function, it is important to look after your ears and hearing in other ways too. Don’t forget to use hearing protection in loud environments, keep headphones to a safe listening level, and visit your audiologist if you notice any changes in your hearing or have any concerns about your hearing health.