Hearing loss due to age is known as presbycusis which comes from the Greek presbys meaning “elder” and akousis meaning “hearing”. It involves bilateral high-frequency hearing loss associated with difficulty in speech discrimination and central auditory processing of information. Presbycusis is common, affecting a third of people between 65 and 75 years and up to a half of people 75 and over and is often a genetic condition.
Vitamin B9
Vitamin B9 (folic acid) can Increase circulation and improve blood flow to the hair cells in the inner ear, thereby improving age-related hearing loss, balance issues and tinnitus.
Highest sources of vitamin B9 in milligrams per 100 grams
- Yeast extract 3786 µg
- Brewer’s yeast 2340 µg
- Chicken livers 578 µg
- Basil 310 µg
- Wheat germ 281 µg
- Sunflower seeds 238 µg
- Soya beans 205 µg
- Spinach 194 µg
- Lentils 181 µg
- Chickpeas, pinto beans 172 µg
- Shiitake mushrooms 163 µg
- Parsley 152 µg
- Black beans 149 µg
- Peanuts 145 µg
- Navy beans 140 µg
- Asparagus 135 µg
- Turnip greens 118 µg
NOTE: The recommended daily allowance of vitamin B9 is 400 µg for adults. One µg is one microgram.
Vitamin D deficiency
Vitamin D deficiency can lead to sensorineural hearing loss due to its receptors present in the inner ear or its effect on calcium metabolism. Serum levels of vitamin D have also been shown to influence treatment outcome of sensorineural hearing loss. It is advisable to check vitamin D levels through a blood test and if low then take supplements of vitamin D3, plus vitamin K2 and magnesium which are required to be consumed together along with some oil to be absorbed as vitamin D3 is fat soluble.
Vitamin D deficiency is very common in the northern hemisphere from October to April when the sun is too weak for the skin to produce vitamin D and the liver stores only last one month.
The following herbs may help with hearing loss:
- Ginkgo biloba,
- Ginger
- Panax ginseng,
- Spearmint
Rehmannia (Chinese foxglove root) is a herb used in Chinese medicine which is said to help with hearing loss. However, side effects such as nausea, gas, diarrhoea, headache, heart palpitations, dizziness, vertigo, allergies, and fatigue have been reported. Rehmannia may also be unsafe for people who have liver disease or pre-existing digestive or immune issues.
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