Posted on 07/28/2023 7:49:13 AM PDT by ConservativeMind
Researchers report that blood levels of the omega-3 fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) were inversely correlated with hearing difficulty in a new population-based cross-sectional study. 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.
The results showed that people in the highest quintile (one-fifth of participants) of blood DHA levels were 16% less likely to answer yes to the question "do you have difficulty hearing" compared with those in the lowest quintile of DHA levels. Similarly, those in the highest quintile for DHA levels were 11% less likely to answer yes to the question "do you have difficulty following conversations when there is background noise" compared with people in the lowest quintile for DHA levels.
While results show a significant association, McBurney cautioned that a cross-sectional population study does not provide enough evidence to definitively conclude that DHA maintains auditory function or that inadequate DHA levels contribute to hearing loss. However, the findings add to a mounting body of evidence of the importance of omega-3 fatty acids, including DHA in particular, to maintain health and help protect against aging-related declines in a variety of body functions.
Omega-3s may help to protect the health of cells in the inner ear or mitigate inflammatory responses to loud noises, chemicals, or infections. Previous studies conducted in older adults and in animals have similarly suggested higher omega-3 levels are inversely related to and may protect against age-related hearing loss.
Our bodies have a limited ability to produce DHA, so the amount of DHA found in our blood and tissues largely depends on our omega-3 intake. DHA levels can be increased by regularly consuming seafood or by taking dietary supplements.
It is estimated around 20% of people live with hearing loss.
(Excerpt) Read more at medicalxpress.com ...
It’s best to get it from salmon and other key Omega-3 loaded fish, but supplements can help, as well.
I take a high DHA content fish oil.
Some research indicates it’s a better formula/balance for males.
.
Yeah, I take fish oil, cod liver oil and krill oil. I try to get 3-4 grams daily. First time I’ve heard it omega 3’s give protection against hearing loss.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.