While vitamins are important to overall health, some have been reported to be beneficial for maintaining hearing health such as:

Vitamins C

Because Vitamin C is considered to be an antioxidant, it’s believed to be helpful in preventing damage to hair cells in the cochlea. In addition, scientists at the Universityof Michigan Kresge Hearing ResearchInstitute conducted a study in 2008 using a  cocktail of Vitamins A, C and E plus magnesium. The cocktail was given to animals in laboratory testing before they were exposed to noisy environments and found that 80 percent of noise-induced hearing loss was prevented. Researchers are now conducting tests to see if humans will benefit from the too.

Vitamin E

In addition to its antioxidant properties, vitamin E improves circulation. Hair cells in your inner ear depend upon good circulation for optimum health.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is responsible for good bone health, which means the tiny bones in your inner ear benefit from it, too. A Vitamin D deficiency can cause osteopenia (bone loss) in the bones of the inner ear and otosclerosis (abnormal bone growth in the middle ear) which can lead to hearing loss and deafness.

Vitamin B-12

Studies have shown that individuals with vitamin B-12 deficiencies are at risk for noise-induced hearing loss and tinnitus (ringing in the ears).  Research published in the March 1999 issue of The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition shows that a vitamin B-12 deficiency – especially when combined with low folate levels – may also be responsible for presbycusis (age-related hearing loss).

Eating a balanced diet is still the best way to get the nutrients your body needs to function effectively. Please consult with your family doctor before adding any vitamins or supplements to your diet.

~Content provided by HealthyHearing