It is estimated that half of all baby boomers already have a degree of hearing loss as do fifteen percent of school children. There are ways of caring for the delicate organs that enable us to enjoy sound so that we can continue to hear well for the rest of our lives. Ignoring the problem and living life as we did when we were twenty will likely lead to a visit to an audiologist for hearing aids.
Physical Protection
The most important step is to wear hearing protection in noisy situations. Damage from loud noises is cumulative. Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) can be caused by a one-time event such as an explosion or a gunshot close to the ear, or by continuous exposure to loud sounds over an extended period of time such as noise generated in a woodworking shop.
The level of continuous sound that is capable of damaging the hearing is relatively low—only 85 decibels. The decibel is the measure of the loudness of a sound; a refrigerator hums at 40 decibels; normal conversation is approximately 60 decibels; and big-city traffic noise can be 85 decibels. Sources of sudden noise that can cause NIHL include hammering, firecrackers, and small firearms, all emitting sounds from 120 to 150 decibels. The louder the sound, the shorter the time period before NIHL can occur.
The damage is done to tiny hair-like structures in the inner-ear that move with the sound vibrations and transmit the sound to the nerves that carry the sound to the brain. Loud sounds cause the hair-like structures to die, a few at a time.
So wear ear plugs or other protection when in a noisy environment. Always listen to headphones at a volume setting similar to normal conversation.
Nutritional Support
The most important nutritional factor may be to reduce calories. Calorie restriction has been shown to extend the lifespan in animal and human studies. It is an excellent anti-aging strategy. Beyond simply eating less, there are a number of important nutrients or supplements that will provide your hearing organs and nervous system with the raw materials they need for routine operation and maintenance.
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Acetyl-L-carnitine (ALC) – Studies have shown that supplementing with ALC provides support to the mitochondria, the organelles in each cell that provide energy. Use at least 500mg per day.
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Alpha lipoic acid (ALA) – The use of the form known as “R isomer” can actually reverse some hearing loss and prevent further loss. ALA is an important antioxidant and free radicals are part of the problem with age-related hearing loss. Use at least 100mg per day.
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Glutathione – It is another antioxidant that has a role in fighting the effects of pollution. Use at least 30mg per day.
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Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) – This antioxidant also supports the mitochondria. Use at least 60mg per day.
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Lecithin – This soy derivitive provides phospholipids, the raw materials for cell walls and nerve function. Use two teaspoons per day.
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N-acetylcysteine (NAC) – NAC is an amino acid that can, in some cases, help restore the damaged hair cells in the inner ear. Use at least 100mg per day.
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Quercetin – This bioflavonoid acts as an antioxidant. Use at least 30mg per day.
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Zinc – Zinc provides antioxidants and immune system support. The inner ear normally has a high concentration of zinc. Use at least 15mg per day.
Some of these supplements can interfere with pharmaceuticals. Confer with your health professional before adding any supplements to your routine. While conferring with your doctor, ask about how the pharmaceuticals you’re taking may influence your hearing loss. Hundreds of drugs can cause hearing loss including aspirin, antidepressants, antianxiety drugs, diuretics, and chemotherapy medications.
