From the Guidelines
Currently, there is no supplement that has been proven to effectively treat hearing loss, and management should focus on screening, education, and counseling, as well as the use of amplification devices or cochlear implantation when necessary, as recommended by the most recent clinical practice guideline on age-related hearing loss 1.
Key Recommendations
- The guideline emphasizes the importance of screening for hearing loss in patients aged 50 years and older, as well as evaluating and treating or referring patients with significant asymmetric hearing loss, conductive or mixed hearing loss, or poor word recognition on diagnostic testing.
- Clinicians should educate and counsel patients with hearing loss and their family/care partner(s) about the impact of hearing loss on their communication, safety, function, cognition, and quality of life (QOL), as well as counsel patients on communication strategies and assistive listening devices.
- While some supplements, such as magnesium, folate, and antioxidants, may have potential benefits in protecting against hearing loss, the evidence is limited, and their effectiveness varies.
Considerations for Supplement Use
- Magnesium, at a dose of 400-500mg daily, may help protect against noise-induced hearing damage by improving blood flow to the inner ear and reducing free radical damage.
- Folate (vitamin B9) at 400-800mcg daily may help slow age-related hearing loss by lowering homocysteine levels, which can damage blood vessels in the ear.
- Antioxidants like vitamins C (500-1000mg daily) and E (400IU daily) may protect against free radical damage to delicate ear structures.
- However, it is essential to consult a healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen, especially if you're taking medications, as the effectiveness and safety of these supplements in treating hearing loss are not well established.
Prioritizing Evidence-Based Management
- The guideline highlights the importance of prioritizing evidence-based management of hearing loss, including the use of amplification devices or cochlear implantation when necessary, over supplement use.
- Clinicians should assess hearing at least every 3 years in patients with known hearing loss or with reported concern for changes in hearing, and evaluate and treat or refer patients with significant hearing loss or poor word recognition on diagnostic testing, as recommended by the guideline 1.
From the Research
Supplements for Hearing Loss
There are several studies that suggest certain supplements may be beneficial for hearing loss.
- Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to have an inverse association with age-related hearing loss, with a reduced risk of developing presbycusis at follow-up 2.
- Consuming more than two servings of fish per week has been associated with a significantly reduced risk of developing presbycusis 2.
- Long-chain n-3 PUFAs have also been shown to have an inverse association with incident hearing loss 2.
Treatment Options
In addition to supplements, there are several treatment options available for hearing loss, including:
- Hearing aids 3, 4
- Assistive listening devices 3
- Middle ear surgery 3
- Cochlear implantation 3
- Audiometry and possible imaging in selected cases 3
Importance of Treatment
It is essential to address hearing loss, as untreated hearing loss can lead to isolation, depression, lower income, and higher unemployment 4.