Integrating omega-3 fatty acids into your diet, whether through supplements, fatty fish, or specific nuts, has been associated with various health benefits. Recent studies indicate that increasing your intake of fatty fish and using dietary supplements could potentially safeguard your long-term hearing.
Omega-3 fatty acids have long been recognized for their positive effects on heart health. New research suggests that these essential nutrients, abundantly found in foods like salmon, walnuts, and flaxseed, might also reduce the risk of age-related hearing problems.
The findings, presented at the annual meeting of the American Society for Nutrition in Boston, revealed that middle-aged and older adults with higher levels of the omega-3 fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) were 8 to 20 percent less likely to experience age-related hearing issues compared to those with lower DHA levels.
“Our study suggests a role for DHA in maintaining auditory function and helping reduce the risk of age-related hearing loss,” said study author Michael I. McBurney, PhD. He is a senior scientist with the Fatty Acid Research Institute. Dr. McBurney holds the position of adjunct professor in the department of human health and nutritional sciences at the University of Guelph, as well as at the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University in Boston.
Higher DHA Levels Decreased Chances of Hearing Issues
In the conducted analysis, scientists meticulously examined the self-reported hearing conditions and blood DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) levels in a vast sample of over 100,000 adults residing in the United Kingdom, all aged between 40 to 69 years. The participants were assessed using a series of questions to determine hearing impairment:
- Do you have difficulty hearing?
- Do you find it challenging to engage in conversations amid background noise, like from a TV, radio, or social gathering?
- Do you rely on a hearing aid for most of your interactions?
The findings revealed that nearly 40% of the participants faced some form of hearing difficulty, a little over 25% struggled with hearing amidst background noise, and 5% were dependent on hearing aids.
Significantly, the study indicated that individuals with the highest levels of DHA in their blood were 16% less likely to report general hearing issues in comparison to those with the lowest DHA levels. Moreover, those with elevated DHA levels were 11% less likely to experience challenges in following conversations amid background noise when compared to individuals with lower DHA levels.
It’s crucial to note, however, that these results establish a correlation between DHA levels and hearing problems, suggesting a potential link rather than proving that DHA directly maintains auditory function or that insufficient DHA levels directly contribute to hearing loss. The study’s lead researcher, McBurney, emphasized this distinction, highlighting that while the data hinted at a connection, it did not conclusively establish DHA as a definitive factor in hearing impairment.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids May Have Possible Anti-Inflammatory Effects That are Beneficial
The recent discoveries add to existing studies indicating that omega fatty acids could potentially decrease inflammation in blood vessels and enhance hearing. This information comes from Dr. David R. Friedmann, a neurotologist at NYU Langone Medical Center in New York City, specializing in treating hearing problems and skull base disorders in both children and adults.
“This study is in keeping with some prior research that provides some basis that omega-3 is good for your vasculature [blood vessels] and could support inner ear health,” Dr. Friedmann said, He was not part of the study.
“If the labyrinthine artery [the primary source of blood for the inner ear] were obstructed by plaque or vascular disease, that would potentially have implications for causing hearing loss,” he added. A possible anti-inflammatory effect that you get from omega-3 fatty acids may help better the condition.
While potential benefits of upping omega-3 acid intake to better the health of the ears is a sensible statement from a “theoretical standpoint,” Friedmann said that there are no definitive recommendations that can be drawn from the study mentioned.
Further Access to Omega-3 Fatty Acids
McBurney suggests that individuals looking to boost their DHA levels should consider incorporating seafood into their regular diet, taking dietary supplements, or adopting a combination of both approaches.
“Fatty fish such as salmon, sardines, and anchovies are excellent sources of the long-chain omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and DHA,” he said. “However, many people do not eat fish or worry about possible mercury contamination. Simple, safe, effective options are fish oil or vegetarian algal capsules.”
He recommends selecting supplements that provide greater quantities of EPA and DHA per serving, details that can typically be found on the supplement labels.
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