Potassium is an essential nutrient that plays a key role in maintaining good health. Some research has indicated a link between higher potassium intake and a lower risk of hearing loss.
Potassium Intake and Hearing Loss
A study published in 2019 examined the association between hearing loss and potassium intake. Researchers looked at participant data from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and compared it to the results from pure-tone audiometry tests. They found participants with high potassium intake levels experienced a lower prevalence of hearing loss.
Why is Potassium Good for Hearing?
The relationship between potassium and hearing loss needs to be researched further to be better understood. However, there are a couple of reasons why the association might exist:
- Potassium is essential to healthy heart function. It helps regulate things like blood pressure and heart rate and can prevent abnormal rhythms. Considering that conditions like high blood pressure and heart disease can increase hearing loss risk, it makes sense that a nutrient that keeps your heart healthy may also protect your hearing.
- Potassium balances fluids in the body. One of potassium’s main functions is to help maintain fluid balance throughout the body, including the inner ear. This balance keeps the hair cells of the inner ear healthy and functioning. Hair cells play a critical role in the hearing process, and damage to them can lead to permanent hearing loss.
Should You Add Potassium to Your Diet?
While potassium is an important nutrient that all of us need, you should speak with your doctor before making any significant dietary changes or taking any supplements. Too much potassium can potentially lead to serious side effects, and some medical conditions require you to lower your potassium intake.
Unless specifically recommended by your doctor, you should avoid taking potassium supplements and instead consider adding potassium-rich foods like bananas, potatoes and avocados to your grocery list the next time you’re shopping at Ralphs.
Protecting Your Hearing Health
While optimal nutrition is important, it’s merely one piece of the hearing health puzzle. Other ways to protect your hearing include:
- Avoiding or minimizing exposure to loud noise
- Wearing earplugs or other hearing protection devices in loud environments
- Listening to headphones no louder than 60% of their maximum volume
- Avoiding sticking cotton swabs or other objects into your ears
- Scheduling a hearing test at the first sign of an issue
- Wearing your hearing aids if prescribed by your audiologist
To learn more or to schedule a hearing test, contact San Diego Hearing Center today.