Omega 3- Fatty Acids and Hearing Loss
Omega 3- Fatty Acids and Hearing Loss
A belief among the Mediterranean communities is that fish is good for the sense of hearing. What is not clear is the question as to how true this exactly is. So the whole suggestion simply remains a myth.
Yet it is common to find that the people living in such communities where fish is a staple food; communities where fishing is practiced as a tradition for survival; experience very rare cases of hearing problems. In fact there are some of these traditional communities where hearing problems are non-existent.
We know in our highly rated civilization that accumulation of wax in our ears may impair our hearing. We are aware of the effects that high pitched sounds may have to our ears. On this regard you see folks who work in studios or DJs who are constantly exposed to loud banging music always having advanced sound condensing appliances on their ears.
Digital appliances companies like Sony, Samsung and the rest do all they deem possible to create gadgets with very intense sound processing mechanisms; all in the name of protection of the hearing organ. That is why the very big headphones are greatly expensive. They condense the sound better and are thus recommended for safely listening to audio signals.
We are also aware of the kind of foreign objects that our ears should not be subjected to. Though there are other factors we know about that are rather hard to control should they affect us such as infections or tumors.
Another common myth, which is actually true, is that old age causes hearing loss. But how exactly? This condition is referred to as presbycusis.
Nutritional component
Looking at hearing problems from the above mentioned angles in isolation may be superficial. There is a great role played by the nutritional component in our sense of hearing that cannot be ignored. Folic acid, vitamin D, as well as vitamin B-12 are said to be key determinants of a healthy sense of hearing. Latest accumulated evidence point to the Omega 3 fatty acids as being central to the protection of the hearing system.
Studies have lately indicated that those who eat fatty fish are unlikely to suffer hearing loss, which takes us back to the Mediterranean mythology mentioned earlier. Such fish are known to be rich in the essential omega-3 fats suggesting that those who consume them take in the fats in their large quantities.
Prior research has indicated how these omega-3 fatty acids actually decrease the risks associated with cardiovascular infections while improving the fertility in both women and men. They have also been established to improve mood and prevent certain forms of cancer. The exact mechanism by which these omega-3 fatty acids prevent hearing loss and ensure a general healthy sense of hearing is yet to be established.
Consumption of omega-3 fatty acids
As has already been indicated, you can easily obtain these fatty acids by simply observing a diet well supplied with the fatty fish. That way then you get assured of a better life free from hearing problems.
That does not however mean that you should now become careless about the kind of environmental conditions and external objects you expose your ears to. The general health measure must still be put into consideration. Such things as loud music or expressly high environmental sounds may easily cause mechanical damage to your ears even if your system is well supplied with omega-3 fatty acids.
Another way that may be easier for those who are not good fans of the fish yet, is taking some fish oil supplement containing the omega-3 elements. Even an added advantage when you opt instead for fish oil supplement is the safety that comes along with it. The oil has been processed and any possible contamination that could be found in fresh fish has been gotten rid of.
So then, if you are even remotely concerned about what happens to your sense of hearing then it is time to consider making the fish part of your diet or going for the fish oil prescriptions available in many parts around the world.
Omega 3- Fatty Acids and Hearing Loss
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