Supplements & Hearing Health: What the Science Really Says
- shaneaudio
- Dec 3
- 3 min read
Many people ask whether supplements can protect their hearing, reduce tinnitus, or slow age-related decline. The internet is full of big claims, but the science is more nuanced.
Here’s a clear, research-based guide to what may help, what’s worth considering, and what you can safely ignore.
1. Magnesium --- The Most Useful for Noise Protection
Magnesium has some of the most consistent evidence for helping the inner ear during loud-noise exposure.
How it works
improves blood flow to the cochlea
stabilises nerve activity
reduces glutamate toxicity (linked to hair-cell damage)
Human studies, including military research, show magnesium can reduce temporary hearing changes after loud noise. Evidence for preventing permanent damage is mixed but encouraging.
Best forms
Magnesium glycinate (well absorbed, gentle)
Magnesium threonate (supports neural pathways)
If you attend concerts, use machinery, or experience regular loud noise, magnesium is worth considering.
2. Vitamin D --- Supports General Ear & Immune Health
Low vitamin D is associated with:
increased risk of age-related hearing decline
more frequent middle-ear infections (especially in children)
higher rates of tinnitus
Vitamin D doesn’t directly “improve” hearing, but correcting a deficiency supports long-term ear health.
3. Omega-3 Fatty Acids --- Helpful for Age-Related Protection
Large population studies show that people with higher omega-3 intake often have better hearing over time.
Why
improved blood flow to the inner ear
reduced inflammation
protection of auditory-nerve connections
Omega-3s benefit overall cardiovascular health, and the ears depend heavily on good circulation.
4. NAC (N-Acetylcysteine) --- Useful Around Loud Noise
NAC replenishes glutathione, the inner ear’s main antioxidant.
Research in military personnel, industrial workers, and musicians shows NAC can reduce noise-induced damage when taken before or shortly after extreme noise exposure.
It’s not something most people need daily, it’s a situational tool.
5. CoQ10 --- May Help in Specific Cases
Coenzyme Q10 can be beneficial when:
levels are low
tinnitus is linked to oxidative stress
used alongside medical treatment for sudden hearing loss
Evidence for everyday hearing protection is limited.
6. B-Vitamins (B12 & Folate) --- Important if You’re Deficient
Low B12 or folate levels are associated with:
tinnitus
difficulty hearing speech in noisy environments
high-frequency hearing loss
Correcting a deficiency can help symptoms. Supplementing normal levels does not provide extra benefit.
7. Zinc --- Only Useful When Low
Zinc does not directly improve hearing, but deficiency can contribute to:
weakened immunity
recurrent middle-ear infections
some tinnitus presentations
Only supplement if blood levels are low.
Supplements With Little or No Evidence
Despite heavy marketing, these supplements do not show reliable benefit for hearing or tinnitus:
Ginkgo biloba
Curcumin
Resveratrol
Quercetin
NAD⁺ boosters (NR, NMN, NMNH)
“Hearing antioxidant blends”
They may support general health, but they do not improve hearing.
What Supplements Cannot Do
Even the best supplements cannot:
reverse permanent hearing loss
cure tinnitus
regenerate damaged hair cells
replace proper ear protection
substitute for well-fitted hearing aids
Supplements support health, they don’t act as treatments.
The Real Foundations of Hearing Protection
Long-term hearing health is shaped mainly by lifestyle, not supplements:
keep listening volumes safe
use proper ear protection
maintain good cardiovascular health
manage stress and sleep
have regular hearing checks
These habits protect both the ears and the auditory parts of the brain.
Need Personalised Advice?
At Aurora Audiology, we provide practical, evidence-based guidance to protect your hearing, reduce risk factors, and support long-term brain and ear health.
If you’d like tailored advice based on your hearing, lifestyle, and medical profile, you’re welcome to book a consultation.
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