In the UK alone, over 11 million people suffer from hearing loss which is around 1 in 6 of the population. Although it can occur at any age, the problem affects the older generation much more as hearing deteriorates with age. Hearing loss can be conductive, sensorineural or a combination of the two, and can be caused by a variety of factors including infection, hereditary disease, exposure to loud sounds and head injury. Losing the ability to hear can happen to anyone at any time, so it is important to be aware of it so it can be prevented before it becomes worse or even permanent.

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Natural Hearing Loss Prevention and Improvement Methods

 Natural prevention methods are not official but work a lot more effectively than medicine to prevent hearing loss beginning or getting worse. By applying a small amount of work now, you can protect your hearing and prevent severe hearing loss as you age.

  • Nutrition – A high cholesterol diet can cause hearing loss, especially in older people. Cut down on salt intake which can cause fluids to build-up within the ear. The ears are nurtured by the body’s supply of blood, so make sure to have a low-saturated fat and refined carbohydrate diet which can reduce blood supply. Healthy foods for the ears include fruit and vegetables, whole grains, seeds and fish that are high in omega 3.
  • Herbs – There are a number of herbs that are safe to take and have improved or prevented hearing loss for many people. Periwinkle is effective against hearing loss caused by the side effects of antibiotics, improves blood flow to the ear and brain and increases the use of oxygen. Ginkgo is also effective for a range of hearing disorders including tinnitus and ototoxicity.
  • Supplements – There are many vitamins, minerals and amino acids that support good hearing. Vitamins A and E, plus Coenzyme Q10 are the most beneficial, as they support ear circulation and hearing cells, protect against damage and more. Other good supplements include vitamins B1, B2, B3, B6 and B12, folic acid, magnesium, zinc, alpha and lipoic acid.
  • Medicines – If you are on any medications that include chemicals, make sure to check the side effects as some can cause hearing loss. The most common which can cause hearing problems include antibiotics, diuretics, immune suppressants and medication for the heart and stomach ulcers.
  • Smoking – Of course smoking can lead to a variety of health problems, so giving up is much better for your body in many areas. Smokers are much more likely to experience hearing loss than those who do not smoke, and the risk increases depending on how many cigarettes are smoked daily.
  • Injuries – If you have experienced any kind of neck or head trauma, make sure to visit a chiropractor or doctor and get all of the injuries treated properly. Injuries to this part of the body can cause hearing loss straight away or gradually as you age.
  • Mobile Phone – Using your mobile phone for long periods of time has been proven to cause high frequency hearing loss. Those who talk for more than an hour per day on a mobile phone are more likely to suffer from hearing loss than those who use phones less frequently.
  • Headphones – Wearing headphones that are ill fitting or of poor quality can risk damaging your ears, so invest in a good pair that block outside sounds so you don’t have to turn up the volume excessively. Make sure not to listen to music for more than an hour at a time, and not over 60% of the maximum volume to prevent hearing damage.