| Posted on: | Category: Age-related hearing loss
A study found lycopene, a nutrient found in tomatoes and other red fruits, might help protect against age-related hearing loss, particularly in men. Healthy hearing is vital for physical and cognitive health because it decreases the risk of falls, depression, cognitive decline, and dementia.
- Age-related hearing loss is the third most common health condition after heart disease and arthritis.
Why it matters
Higher blood levels of lycopene were linked to better hearing, reducing the risk of low-frequency hearing loss by up to 42.5%.
- This discovery could lead to new dietary strategies for protecting hearing.
A closer look
- The researchers measured the blood lycopene levels and hearing ability of 693 men and women adults aged 70 to 80.
- Men: Higher lycopene levels had better hearing preservation at low and speech frequencies. All types of lycopene (total, trans-, and cis-) showed protective effects against low-frequency and speech-frequency hearing loss.
- Women: No significant associations found between lycopene levels and hearing loss
By the numbers
- Tomatoes contribute to 85% of lycopene intake in North America
- Each increase in blood lycopene reduced hearing loss risk by 42.5%
The takeaway
- For men in the study, lycopene protected their hearing, especially in the frequency ranges used to understand speech.
- More research on diet and other preventive measures could significantly impact the quality of life for older adults worldwide.
- In the meantime, protect your hearing with the proven "3 Ds" —
- Decibels - turn down the volume
- Duration - take listening breaks
- Distance - move away from sources of loud sound and limit earbud/headphone usage (and volume)
Go deeper: Learn more about lycopene's health benefits →
