Association of Nutritional Factors with Hearing Loss

Abstract

Hearing loss (HL) is a major public health problem. Nutritional factors can affect a variety of diseases, such as HL, in humans. Thus far, several studies have evaluated the association between nutrition and hearing. These studies found that the incidence of HL was increased with the lack of single micro-nutrients such as vitamins A, B, C, D and E, and zinc, magnesium, selenium, iron and iodine. Higher carbohydrate, fat, and cholesterol intake, or lower protein intake, by individuals corresponded to poorer hearing status. However, higher consumption of polyunsaturated fatty acids corresponded to better hearing status of studied subjects. In addition to malnutrition, obesity was reported as a risk factor for HL. In studies of the relationship between middle ear infection and nutrition in children, it was reported that lack of vitamins A, C and E, and zinc and iron, resulted in poorer healing status due to vulnerability to infection. These studies indicate that various nutritional factors can affect hearing. Therefore, considering that multifactorial nutritional causes are responsible, in part, for HL, provision of proper guidelines for maintaining a proper nutritional status is expected to prevent some of the causes and burden of HL.

Associations between Age-Related Hearing Loss and DietaryAssessment Using Data from Korean National Health andNutrition Examination Survey

“…We cannot rule out the possibility that the level of retinol and β-carotene intake was not high, so a significant association could have been observed only in units of weight as RE. In contrast to previous reports, our study found no significant association between PTAs and other dietary antioxidants, such as vitamins B and C [ 24 , 67 ]. Antioxidants may be most effective when working together with other nutrients, but our multivariable model did not include other nutrients, such as vitamin B-12 and E, folate, and magnesium.…”

Relationship between Inflammatory Food Consumption and Age-Related Hearing Loss in a Prospective Observational Cohort: Results from the Salus in Apulia Study

“…It is well known that systemic inflammation could be decreased or increased by the consumption of peculiar foods [14] and by specific dietary patterns [15]. Anti-inflammatory foods rich in Vitamin A, C, and E like vegetables, fresh fruits and nuts has been considered to be the most important foods protective of ARHL [16]. Likewise, pro-inflammatory foods, like sugar-rich juices, desserts and alcoholic drinks have been shown to increase the risk of onset of ARHL [17].…”

Association of Chocolate Consumption with Hearing Loss and Tinnitus in Middle-Aged People Based on the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2012–2013

“…Patients and clinicians have concerns regarding the effect of diet on hearing loss and tinnitus [13,14]. Therefore, efforts to identify foods that protect hearing are needed.…”