Regular fish meals can reduce the risk of developing the incurable hearing condition tinnitus, a study has found.
A team from Brigham and Women’s Hospital Boston in the US studied the incidence of the condition in 73,000 patients, which leaves millions of Britons with a constant buzzing or ringing sound in their ears.
Over a 30-year period, those who ate more than two servings of fish per week had an almost 25 percent lower risk of developing tinnitus than those who rarely or never ate fish.
Patients who ate one serving of fish per week had a 13 percent lower risk.
Tuna, light-meat fish such as cod or halibut and shellfish were all associated with a lower risk of tinnitus, but dark-meat fish such as salmon and swordfish appeared to increase the risk of tinnitus.
Regular fish meals can lower the risk of developing the incurable hearing condition tinnitus, a study shows (Stock Image)
Tuna, light-meat fish such as cod or halibut and shellfish were all associated with a lower risk of tinnitus (Stock Image)
Fish oil supplements – commonly taken for their heart, brain and joint health properties – have also been linked to a higher risk of tinnitus.
Tinnitus is thought to affect almost 15 percent of British adults.
Although there may be age-related hearing loss, ear damage or circulatory problems, the cause of tinnitus is still not clear.
Previous studies have linked diet and tinnitus risk – with high intakes of calcium, iron and fat increasing the danger – but the new study is the first to provide data over such a time frame.
Seafood has previously been shown to reduce the risk of hearing loss. A study published last year found that eating more fish can reduce the risk of developing hearing problems by up to 20 percent.
Scientists believe that the omega-3 fatty acids in fish may help protect the health of the cells in the inner ear – or ease inflammatory responses to loud noises, chemicals or infections.
The Boston hospital research team, whose study was based on a database of female nurses in the US, hopes that identifying a link between fishing and tinnitus could help future patients.
“Identifying modifiable factors that influence the risk of persistent tinnitus could aid prevention and inform targeted treatment,” the study authors wrote.