It turns out that omega-3 fatty acids, often found in oily fish such as salmon or taken in a supplement to protect your heart, may also have a protective benefit for your hearing. That’s right. New research shows middle-aged and older people with higher blood levels of omega-3s were less likely to report hearing loss. Learn more about this research and the potential benefits of adding omega-3s to your diet.
It’s a fact. As we get older, our hearing declines—approximately 50% of adults aged 75 and older in the United States have a disabling hearing loss, and currently, there’s nothing that can stop it.
Or is there? Recent research shows that although you can’t stop age-related hearing loss, there are steps you may be able to take to reduce its impact.
One of those steps, according to a study from the University of Guelph and Tufts University/Fatty Acid Research Institute, may be the addition of omega-3 fatty acids to your diet.
This research team presented their study at the American Society for Nutrition annual meeting. They found that middle-aged and older adults with higher levels of the omega-3 fatty acids were 8-20% less likely to report age-related hearing issues compared to those with lower levels.
The researchers used the self-reported hearing status and blood DHA (omega-3) levels of more than 100,000 people ages 40-69 in the United Kingdom Biobank for this study.
After analyzing the data, they found those with the highest levels of omega-3s in their blood were 16% less like to say they had any hearing difficulties.
These participants were also 11% less likely to respond “yes” when asked, “Do you have difficulty following conversations when there is background noise?” compared to the group with the lowest level of omega-3s in their blood.
What they discovered was that middle-aged and older adults with higher DHA levels were 8-20% less likely to report age-related hearing issues than those with lower DHA levels.
Though much more research is needed to explore this possible connection, adding omega-3s to your diet, either through nutrition or supplements, is something many physicians already recommend, especially for heart health.
Not familiar with omega-3s?
Omega-3 fatty acids are a type of “good” fat the body needs for a variety of functions, making them “essential” fats.
Even though the body requires omega-3 fatty acids, it can’t make them on its own. Instead, it must rely on obtaining them through foods rich in omega-3s and supplements.
So, if you’re looking to tap into the power of omega-3 fatty acids, start with a healthy diet. Or, if none of the foods on the list below are among your favorites, try an omega-3 supplement. Your doctor should be able to point you to the best supplement for your circumstances.
Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids include:
- Fatty, oily fishes like salmon, mackerel, anchovies, tuna, and sardines
- Walnuts
- Flaxseed
- Chia seeds
- Seaweed and algae
- Edamame
- Certain oils, including canola and soybean
And remember, more research is needed before physicians can definitively say that omega-3s can help reduce the risk for age-related hearing loss, but this study points to a beneficial connection.
