Supplements to save your ears

Rock musicians, construction workers, and others exposed to ear-jarring noise might want to up their intake of magnesium, beta-carotene, and vitamins C and E, recent studies suggest. A cocktail of these nutrients appears to protect against hearing damage caused by exposure to loud noise.

The anti-oxidants in the mix – beta-carotene, vitamin C, and vitamin E – help prevent hearing loss by scavenging free radicals that damage inner ear cells in the case of loud noise exposures. The mineral magnesium aids blood flow to the ear and assists healing.

Studies done by University of Florida, University of Michigan, Washington University in St. Louis, and the company OtoMedicine found benefits from giving this supplement mix before loud noise exposure as well as up to three days after such exposures.

Definitely something to consider if you want to preserve your hearing! Researchers added that physical ear protection – e,g,, ear plugs or hard-shell ear protectors – remains the best way to prevent noise-induced hearing loss.

You can read more about the studies in this University of Florida press release.

Thanks to the excellent website of the Acoustic Ecology Institute, where I first found this tidbit.