HEARING AND BALANCE CONDITIONS

Studies show that certain nutrients can protect against hearing loss and tinnitus as well as balance problems. Find out which foods to tuck into and which to shun.

AGE-RELATED HEARING LOSS

A degree of hearing loss can set in as early as middle age, though often goes unnoticed. But after the age of 75 more than half of people have significant hearing loss and can find it hard to pick out high-frequency sounds and soft consonants such as “s” and “f”. Whether the age-related hearing loss is due to problems with sound travelling into the inner ear or cumulative damage to the sensory hairs, foods offer potential solutions or preventive approaches. Certain nutrients, such as beta-carotene and folate (see above), have been shown to have protective effects.

EAT PLENTY

Peppers, leafy greens, tomatoes, oranges, squash

LIMIT

Salt, monosodium glutamate

TINNITUS

This particularly distressing hearing problem, where ringing, buzzing, or humming is heard in the ear, is a symptom rather than a disease in itself. Its causes are still not fully understood and though it can affect many ages, it often accompanies age-related hearing loss and can be more severe in the elderly. Tinnitus can come and go, but if the noise is continuous it can cause anxiety. Nutritional research has shown that particular foods can impact this condition in a positive way, including coffee and fish (see above).

EAT PLENTY

Fish, caffeine (tea and coffee)

LIMIT

Salt

PROBLEMS WITH BALANCE

The vestibular system in the inner ear plays an important role in balance. It contains three structures – the semicircular canals – that are positioned at right angles to each other and which detect changes in movement, such as moving our head up and down or from side to side. This system interacts with other areas in the body to maintain balance, and problems elsewhere may affect the vestibular system and cause us to lose our footing. Hydration is key, so drink plenty of fluids and always report to your doctor any dizziness or sensations of spinning.

EAT PLENTY

Fresh fruit and vegetables; fluids

LIMIT

Salt, sugar, processed foods