Researchers report that blood levels of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), an omega-3 fatty acid, were inversely correlated with hearing difficulties in a new population-based cross-sectional study. Middle-aged and older adults with high DHA levels were 8-20% less likely to report age-related hearing problems than those with lower DHA levels.
Higher levels of DHA have previously been linked to a lower risk of heart disease, cognitive impairment, and death. Our study extends these findings to suggest a role for DHA in maintaining auditory function and helping to reduce the risk of age-related hearing loss.”
Michael I. McBurney, Ph.D., Principal Investigator, Fatty Acid Research Institute and Adjunct Professor, Department of Human Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Guelph and Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy, Tufts University
McBurney, a fellow of the American Society for Nutrition and the Canadian Nutrition Society, will present the findings at NUTRITION 2023, the American Society for Nutrition’s flagship annual meeting being held July 22-25 in Boston.
Using data from the UK Biobank, the researchers analyzed the self-reported hearing status and blood DHA levels of over 100,000 people aged 40-69 in the UK. After controlling for potential confounding variables, 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 any difficulty hearing” compared to those in the lowest quintile of DHA levels. Similarly, people 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 to people in the lowest quintile for DHA levels.
Although the results show a significant association between DHA levels and hearing, McBurney cautioned that a cross-sectional population study does not provide enough evidence to conclude definitively that DHA maintains hearing function or that inadequate DHA levels contribute to hearing loss. However, the findings add to a growing body of evidence on the importance of omega-3 fatty acids, including DHA in particular, in maintaining health and helping to protect against age-related decline in a variety of bodily functions.
Omega-3s can help protect the health of inner ear cells or dampen inflammatory responses to loud noises, chemicals, or infections. Previous studies in older adults and animals have also suggested that higher levels of omega-3s are inversely related to age-related hearing loss and may protect against it.
Our body has a limited ability to produce DHA, so the amount of DHA present in our blood and tissues is largely dependent on our omega-3 intake. DHA levels can be increased by regularly consuming seafood or taking dietary supplements.
“There is strong evidence that higher blood levels of omega-3 fatty acids are beneficial,” McBurney said. “Both fatty fish and omega-3 supplements are good dietary sources. If you choose to use a dietary supplement, compare products by reading the supplement’s information panel for eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) + DHA content.”
It is estimated that around 20% of people – more than 1.5 billion people worldwide – live with hearing loss, and this number is expected to increase as the population ages in the coming decades. Hearing loss can vary from mild to profound; it affects communication and social interactions, educational and employment opportunities, and many other aspects of daily life.
Environmental factors as well as genetic inclinations and medications contribute to hearing loss. Proven ways to reduce the risk of hearing loss include protecting the ears from loud noises by using protective gear and getting proper medical care for infections.
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