NORTH DAKOTA (KXNET) — Research shows that a person's diet has a direct impact on their hearing health. According to this research, poor diets are linked to impairing inner ear function and contribute to hearing loss as people age. Audiologist at Resound, Dr. Jenn Schumacher, shared her expertise on maintaining hearing health with diet and what foods should be avoided. Dr. Schumacher says there are several different ways that a poor diet can impact hearing health. High cholesterol impacts the ability of red blood cells to carry oxygen throughout the body and can increase the chance of serious hearing loss. Excessive sugar and sodium can cause fluctuations in blood sugar levels, damaging blood vessels and nerves. Poor blood sugar and diabetes are linked to hearing loss. Sodium can affect the body's fluid levels and blood pressure, which disturbs endolymph (inner ear fluid balance) levels. Vitamin and antioxidant deficiencies can make the ear vulnerable to noise-induced hearing loss and damage by aging or cell degeneration. Training with resistance bands can fuel brain health Knowing these things, there are certain types of food that should be limited, as they can affect hearing health. They include: Foods high in saturated and trans fats, like fried foods, fast foods, red meat, and processed meats (sausage, bacon, deli meats), as well as food with hydrogenated oils like crackers, cookies, and margarine. Salty foods like canned soups, frozen meals, potato chips, and some restaurant dishes. The FDA recommends a maximum of 2,300 mg of sodium each day. Sugary foods like soda, baked goods, and candy. There are some key nutrients for hearing health, and you don't have to get them from a pill, you can get them simply by incorporating the food into your diet. The vitamins and their sources are: Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) can be found in spinach, broccoli, whole grains, and fatty fish (salmon and sardines). Folate (Vitamin B9) can be found in leafy greens, legumes, fortified grains, and avocados. Vitamin C can be found in citrus fruits, kiwi, red and green bell peppers, and Brussels sprouts. Potassium can be found in bananas, oranges, potatoes, melons, legumes (soybeans and kidney beans, and even coffee. Incorporating these foods, and removing the bad ones can result in a more balanced diet that can support ear health and can reduce the risk of hearing issues over time. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Today's Top Stories SIGN UP NOW