A Link Between Poor Childhood Nutrition and Hearing Loss

Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, dairy products and a variety of proteins are all part of a healthy diet and, it seems, part of the road to avoiding hearing loss. Studies have now linked malnutrition in children and adolescents to an increased chance of hearing loss. Orange County Physicians Hearing Services can start your child out on a well-rounded hearing health plan starting with pediatric hearing tests and regular hearing wellness checks into adolescence and adulthood.

Nutrition and health studies

Hearing loss is the fourth leading cause of disability world-wide and is being recognized as a neglected health issue that needs addressing. Hearing loss is the third most common problem in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reveals poor nutrition in childhood can lead to an increased risk for developing health issues later in life including high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, osteoporosis and newer studies show – hearing loss. A new study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition noted that young adults who suffered from poor nutrition in their early childhood were twice as likely to have hearing loss issues than their peers.

Stunted growth = hearing issues

Researchers at the John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health studied the link between nutritional levels and the hearing health of 2,200 young adults. This group was initially part of a three-year nutritional study between 1989 and 1991 while they were growing up. Researchers circled back and tested their hearing over a two-year period from 2006 to 2008. They found those with stunted or underdeveloped growth, too short or too thin, were twice as likely to show hearing loss.
In the case of stunted growth, poor nutrition going back to the mother can show poor nutrition impacts ear development in the womb! Continued poor nutrition in childhood and adolescence due to living circumstances impacted overall health including increasing the chances of hearing loss. Hospitals, clinics and pre-natal programs emphasizing nutrition during pregnancy can help address problems of ear development in the womb.
Researchers surmised that underweight caused by malnutrition raised the risk for children and adolescents of developing chronic ear infections. Malnutrition led to other issues also, but chronic ear infections are one factor shown as increasing the chances of hearing loss.

Good calories count!

The CDC study found most young people do not come close to meeting the daily fruit and vegetable recommendations nor do they drink the recommended daily amounts of water. Useless calories from added sugars and fats make up more than 40% of the daily calories for children and adolescents! The CDC as well as many well-publicized public health plans encourage good eating habits for all around good health. Orange County Physicians Hearing Services joins in the chorus of well-educated voices advises that good nutrition for children and adolescents should start early and start with good role models. Most school lunch programs address nutritional needs because studies have shown proper nutrition helps concentration, but also overall health. Healthy snacks with good calories versus empty sugary snacks are becoming the norm. This will do much to begin solving the dilemma of poor nutrition in adolescence and hearing issues. Parents and grandparents practicing good health habits make a fabulous healthy impression. Proper exercise, eating a balanced diet and protecting hearing from exposure to loud or excessive noise will improve hearing as well as overall health.

Regular check-ups needed

As part of your child’s overall health, we recommend regular hearing exams. Orange County Physicians Hearing Services Pediatric Services will help expose your child to regular painless and non-intrusive hearing exams to help encourage a lifetime of hearing health.