The Role of Nutrition in Healthy Hearing: Human Evidence

Identification of determinants of hearing loss is critical for understanding individual susceptibility and variability, improving hearing conservation efforts, and in turn improving public health. The role of nutrition in healthy hearing is still unclear, but the literature and our knowledge are growing. Does a healthy diet have benefit for hearing? Does eating certain nutrients reduce or increase risk for hearing loss? Does cause of hearing loss (age, noise, ototoxic drug) matter? Does source of nutrients matter (supplement vs. diet)? In this chapter we will explore the human evidence for the role of nutrition in healthy hearing and consider future clinical and research implications.