New Fatty Acid Research Suggests Higher DHA Levels May Aid in Auditory Function

Omega-3 fatty acids are crucial in proper body functioning. Its main three forms are docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA).¹ Several studies have proved the positive impact of this nutrient on heart and brain health, yet the latest one takes a new spin on auditory health.

A recent study dove into the potential benefits of one type of omega-3 fatty acid in hearing functions, citing DHA levels are inversely correlated with auditory concerns. Researchers found people in their midlife and later years with higher amounts of DHA in their body are 8%-20% less likely to experience age-related hearing problems compared to those with lower DHA.² Could this lead to a medical breakthrough that can help millions of Americans?

Why DHA Is Important

DHA has numerous roles in the body and overall health. Both DHA and EPA are mainly present in seafood and fish. Here are its scientific-backed benefits.

1. It Keeps the Heart Healthy

Eating fatty fish and other forms of seafood can help reduce the incidence of cardiovascular diseases. The EPA and DHA you get from foods can drive down the levels of triglycerides,¹ which is a type of fat circulating in your blood. High amounts of this fat in the body have been linked with heart disease and stroke. Loading up on foods rich in EPA and DHA lowers triglycerides, which help you dodge heart conditions.³

2. It Helps Prevent Cancer

A clinical trial of generally healthy older adults living in communities found that cancer risk declines when vitamin D and omega-3 supplementation are combined with a simple home strength exercise. A total of 2,157 healthy individuals with a mean age of 74.9 years participated in the trial, which concluded that combined interventions can minimize the possibility of cancer in older people.⁴

3. It Lowers the Risk of Brain Disorders

Alzheimer's disease is the most prevalent form of dementia and a public health concern, with 73% of Americans age 75 and older living with it.⁵

DHA is one of the substances researchers looked at to determine whether it can help with Alzheimer’s. In a study, older people with high red blood cell DHA reduced their risk of developing it by up to 40% compared to those with lower levels. Supplementing the amount of omega-3 DHA through nutrition in participants carrying the ApoE4 gene — a hallmark gene of Alzheimer’s that increases susceptibility to brain disease — considerably lowers the prevalence.⁶

4. It Promotes Good Vision

The quantity of DHA is exceptionally high in the retina, which explains why adequate omega-3 fatty acids help lessen vision loss or age-related macular degeneration and dry eyes in older adults. ⁷ Eating fish, shellfish, and seafood helps your body obtain omega-3 fatty acids that support eye health.

Apart from these positive effects, one study cited that DHA may also reduce the risk of hearing problems in middle age. This could be life-changing for mature and older people, who are often at a higher risk of auditory conditions. Before going into the details, learn why this study is critical among Americans.

Hearing Loss: A Medical Emergency

The National Council on Aging says the incidence rate of hearing loss is higher than diabetes. It's the third most prevalent chronic physical condition in the country. However, it doesn't get enough medical attention, even if the scope of the problem is broader. Furthermore, the number is anticipated to surge to 73.5 million Americans by 2060.⁸

[Source: https://www.ncoa.org/adviser/hearing-aids/hearing-loss-america/]

Who Is at Risk?

Over 40 million people have some hearing concerns. Most of these cases are older people with cumulative damage in the inner ear's sensory cells due to aging. Roughly 68% of individuals in their 70s and 90% in their 80s have some form of hearing loss concerns.⁹

Besides age, considerable risk factors for hearing problems include:

• Gender: Auditory concerns are 18.5% more common in people within the male population, whereas only 12.3% affect females. Men often have jobs in construction or manufacturing that are sources of excessive noise.⁹

• Ethnicity: Hearing issues also happen more frequently in people with non-Hispanic white and Native American lineages, including individuals with American Indian and Alaska Native backgrounds.⁹

• Access to healthcare: The shortage of otolaryngologists and audiologists, plus the distance from hospitals or clinics, limits people's access to treatment.⁹ Those who need to drive for several hours to get to a facility may skip a hearing checkup.

• Socioeconomic differences: Paying an average of $4,600 for prescription hearing aids is one of the substantial reasons many people avoid getting treatment. This decision often leads to the increased severity of minor hearing loss and the development of other health issues.⁹

Hearing problems can affect your day-to-day life. If you've been experiencing auditory issues, visit your healthcare provider for a hearing test. Experts suggest having at least one audiogram in your adult life between the ages of 21 and 60.¹⁰

What Does the Latest Study on Nutrition Say?

Michael I. McBurney, PhD, a senior scientist with the Fatty Acid Research Institute, said, "Higher DHA levels have previously been found to be associated with 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 reduce the risk of age-related hearing loss."² 

More than 100,000 people aged 40-69 participated in such a study. Their results showed that people with the highest DHA levels were 16% less likely to respond yes to the question, "Do you have difficulty hearing?" than those in the group with the lowest DHA levels. Likewise, when asked, "Do you have difficulty following conversations when there is background noise," those with the highest DHA levels were 11% less likely to reply yes than their counterparts.

The findings were recently shared in the NUTRITION 2023 event last July. The outcomes indicated higher DHA levels and auditory function were inversely correlated, meaning the higher DHA you have, the lower your risk.

Do Omega-3 Fatty Acids Help Hearing Loss?

The study on the link between omega-3 and auditory health is in its infancy. Although this isn't the first one on the subject, researchers only know the strong inverse relationship between omega-3 levels and age-related hearing loss.² They lack proof as to what precisely the role of omega-3 in hearing health is. Here are some of their speculations.

1. Protect the cells in the inner ear

The inner ear is divided into three main parts — cochlea, vestibule, and semicircular canals. The cochlea houses the organ of Corti, which converts sound vibrations into nerve impulses. It consists of thousands of inner and outer hair cells. Each can send sound to the brain via the hearing nerve. As this entire structure regulates hearing function, researchers believe omega-3 can help promote a healthy inner-ear ecosystem to alleviate the risk of hearing problems.¹¹

2. Reduce inflammation caused by loud noise

Omega-3 has potent anti-inflammatory benefits that strengthen the immune system and mitigate the risk of heart disease by reducing inflammation. A 34-week trial found that EPA and DHA have anti-inflammatory benefits, with the latter showing a higher combative effect against illnesses. DHA lowered levels of anti-inflammatory proteins in the body.¹²

While it’s certain high DHA levels reduce cardiovascular inflammation,¹ there's no concrete evidence if it applies the same benefits to ear inflammation, so it remains a hypothesis. Future studies are needed to cement this as a fact.

3. Support overall heart health

A more plausible yet indirect effect of omega-3 on auditory health is its causal link with heart health.¹² The ear receives its supply of oxygen-rich blood through several small arteries in the cardiovascular system. Experts believe heart diseases can hinder blood flow to the ear, resulting in auditory system damage and hearing loss.¹³ On the optimistic side, a robust heart could mean a healthy auditory system.

4. Promote gut health

Another assumption is that imbalances in the gut microbiota are a risk factor for sensorineural hearing loss. According to one study, omega-3 is vital in helping maintain intestinal health.¹⁴

Impaired gut health manifesting in various health conditions, like inflammatory bowel disease, diet-induced obesity, Type 2 diabetes, and high-fat diet, demonstrate links to hearing loss.¹⁵

Experts theorized that omega-3 intake could help promote gut health and subsequently boost auditory health.

Sources of Omega-3

“There is strong evidence that higher blood levels of omega-3 fatty acids are beneficial. Fatty fish and omega-3 supplements are both good dietary sources,” said McBurney.¹⁶

The body can’t produce omega-3 from scratch, making nutrition its only source.¹⁷ Some people may find it easy to maintain a healthy diet and obtain this nutrient. However, most omega-3-rich foods aren't a staple in an American diet, which poses a nutritional challenge. 

The American Heart Association recommends eating at least two servings of fish weekly. Consider adding these options to your healthy plate:¹⁸

• Mackerel
• Salmon
• Sardines
• Albacore tuna
• Trout

You can also find plant-based sources of omega-3, and they include:

• Canola oil and soy oil
• Ground flaxseeds and flaxseed oil
• Chia seeds
• Walnuts
• Soybeans and tofu

Foods are the best sources of nutrients, but you can talk to your healthcare provider if you find it challenging to maintain a balanced diet. "If choosing to use a dietary supplement, compare products by reading the Supplement Facts panel for eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)+DHA content," added McBurney.¹⁶

Summary

Omega-3 has three forms — ALA, EPA, and DHA. They all contribute to stronger immunity and lower risk of chronic conditions like cardiovascular diseases and Alzheimer's. Although more concrete studies are needed to establish this as a fact, researchers suspect high levels of DHA will help prevent hearing problems, a medical emergency affecting millions of Americans.

Foods are the best sources of omega-3 fatty acids, but you may consider supplements if you have challenges with your diet.

DHA Could Help Prevent or Lessen Hearing Loss Cases

The recent study outcome looks promising. If future studies demonstrate the same result, DHA could be a groundbreaking solution to avoid or moderate hearing loss concerns, especially for older adults.

Hearing is an essential ability in communication and doing daily tasks. If researchers can find a way to at least delay age-causing auditory decline among older people, it can tremendously improve their quality of life.

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