Tips on eating for healthier hearing

 In the same way that a healthy lifestyle can bring great benefits to your eyes, it will also do your ears a lot of good. Here's how.

• Research studies have shown that, even among people with existing hearing loss, the hearing threshold (the minimum volume at which sound is heard) can improve and tinnitus (persistent, irritating sound in the ears) can diminish in those whose diet excludes refined sugars and includes a high proportion of whole, raw foods such as vegetables, nuts and seeds.
•  Too much salt in the diet may be linked with an ear condition called Ménière's disease that can cause fluctuating hearing loss, dizziness and tinnitus. In fact, lowering salt intake is considered by some specialists to be a key element in the treatment of Ménière's disease.
• Less salt in the diet also reduces the danger of developing high blood pressure, a known risk factor for hearing loss.

• Cut back on foods high in saturated fats, such as red meats, whole milk, butter, cream and cheese.
• Avoid trans fats and partially hydrogenated vegetable oils, found in some margarines, vegetable shortenings, some oils for frying, and many cookies and other snack foods. They are a major culprit in raising levels of "bad" fats in the blood and increasing the risk of heart disease.
• Use olive oil for cooking and in salad dressings.
• Limit your intake of processed foods, junk foods, soft drinks, candy, cakes, cookies and chips.
• Keep your salt intake below 2,300 mg daily — better yet, aim to be below 1,500 mg — and don't forget that this includes salt in packaged foods, so read the labels.
• Eat more fish, especially oily fish containing omega-3 fatty acids. As well as being good for your eyes, eating oily fish boosts levels of "good" fats and reduces the risks of cardiovascular disease.
• Eat foods rich in antioxidant vitamins and minerals, especially vegetables, fruit and whole grains.
• Eat small meals regularly — missing meals may lead to overeating.

• Eat grapes and drink grape juice — and wine, in moderation. Grapes, red wine, purple grape juice and peanuts are all good sources of a powerful antioxidant called resveratrol.
• Some studies suggest that the antioxidant may help to protect against free radical damage to the inner ear, which can result in hearing loss. Resveratrol is known to be good for your heart — and further studies may confirm its hearing benefits.
• Meanwhile, a well-balanced antioxidant-rich diet will undoubtedly boost your general health.