Researchers have just revealed an exciting piece of news that might change your dinner plans tonight. Seafood lovers, rejoice! Your preferred diet of fatty fish could provide unexpected benefits - protecting your hearing as you age.
According to a recent study led by scientists from the University of Guelph in Canada, the omega-3 fatty acid called docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), primarily found in seafood like salmon, mackerel, and sardines, could significantly reduce the risk of developing hearing issues. They analysed data from over 100,000 people, focusing on self-reported hearing status and DHA blood levels.
What they found was a distinct correlation between higher levels of DHA and fewer reports of hearing difficulties. In fact, participants who had the highest levels of DHA were 16% less likely to report having trouble hearing compared to those with the lowest levels. Even more intriguing, these individuals were 11% less likely to struggle with following conversations amidst background noise.
These results contribute to a growing body of evidence highlighting the importance of omega-3 fatty acids in our diet, with particular emphasis on DHA. The team posits that omega-3s might help protect the cells in our inner ear or mitigate the inflammatory responses to loud noises, chemical exposure, or infections.
Given our bodies' limited ability to produce DHA, the fatty acid content in our blood and tissues depends largely on our omega-3 intake. Regularly consuming seafood or taking dietary supplements are recommended ways to elevate these levels. Good sources of DHA are oily fish including salmon, mackerel, and sardines, orOmega 3 supplements such askrill oil orcod-liver oil.
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 maintaining auditory function and helping reduce the risk of age-related hearing loss."
With an estimated 11 million people in the UK experiencing some form of hearing loss, ranging from mild to profound, it's evident that this is a widespread issue. Given that one in six adults is affected, making it the second most common disability, strategies for prevention are increasingly crucial.
This latest study suggests that, alongside proven methods like protecting your ears from loud noises and seeking appropriate medical care for ear infections, dietary alterations could also play a significant role.
While the results of this population-based cross-sectional study do not definitively prove that higher DHA levels alone can protect against hearing loss, the correlation observed is noteworthy. Other environmental factors, genetic predispositions, and medication use also contribute to hearing loss.
Nevertheless, the study adds weight to the mounting evidence of the importance of maintaining a diet rich in omega-3s. Not only does this help protect against ageing-related declines in various body functions, but it could also play a role in safeguarding one of our most vital senses – hearing.
The findings were presented at the annual meeting of the American Society for Nutrition, 2023.
1. What are omega-3 fatty acids?
Omega-3 fatty acids are a type of fat that's crucial for our health. They're known as "essential fatty acids," meaning our bodies can't produce them, and we must obtain them from our diet. They're involved in numerous body functions, including the functioning of our heart and brain.
2. What is DHA?
DHA, or docosahexaenoic acid, is a type of omega-3 fatty acid. It's a primary structural component of the human brain and eye. Consuming enough DHA is essential for the brain's normal function and development.
3. What types of seafood are high in DHA?
Fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines are rich in DHA. Other sources of DHA include trout, oysters, and anchovies.
4. Can omega-3 supplements replace the need for seafood in my diet?
Supplements can be a good alternative if you can't or prefer not to consume seafood. However, it's crucial to read the labels carefully to ensure you're getting both EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA, the two most beneficial types of omega-3s.
5. How can DHA help with hearing loss?
While the mechanisms aren't fully understood, it's thought that DHA may help to protect the health of cells in the inner ear, alleviate inflammatory responses to loud noises, chemicals, or infections, and thus could help to mitigate age-related hearing loss.
6. Can increasing my DHA intake guarantee I won't suffer from hearing loss?
No, increasing your DHA intake can't guarantee you won't experience hearing loss, as many factors contribute to this condition, including age, genetics, and exposure to loud noise. However, having a diet high in DHA may help reduce the risk.
7. What other steps can I take to protect my hearing?
Other proven ways to protect your hearing include avoiding exposure to loud noises, using protective equipment when necessary, not using cotton swabs in your ears, getting regular check-ups, and seeking prompt medical care for ear infections.
If you have concerns about your hearing you can check it online with the free online hearing test from the Royal National Institute for Deaf People here: https://rnid.org.uk/information-and-support/take-online-hearing-check/
The NHS have information for booking a free hearing test here: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hearing-tests/
This article is for general information only and is not intended to treat or diagnose medical conditions. If in doubt please check with your GP first.
Take a breath - A Simple Technique to relieve Stress, Anxiety and Improve Your Sleep
Have you been making tea wrong?
What causes cramp and how to cure it
