Effects of Diet and Lifestyle on Audio-Vestibular Dysfunction in the Elderly: A Literature Review

Abstract

Background: The world’s age-related health concerns continue to rise. Audio-vestibular disorders, such as hearing loss, tinnitus, and vertigo, are common complaints in the elderly and are associated with social and public health burdens. Various preventative measures can ease their impact, including healthy food consumption, nutritional supplementation, and lifestyle modification. We aim to provide a comprehensive summary of current possible strategies for preventing the age-related audio-vestibular dysfunction. Methods: A PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane review databases search was conducted to identify the relationship between diet, lifestyle, and audio-vestibular dysfunction. “Diet,” “nutritional supplement,” “lifestyle,” “exercise,” “physical activity,” “tinnitus,” “vertigo” and “age-related hearing loss” were used as keywords. Results: Audio-vestibular dysfunction develops and progresses as a result of age-related inflammation and oxidative stress. Diets with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects have been proposed to alleviate this illness. A high-fat diet may induce oxidative stress and low protein intake is associated with hearing discomfort in the elderly. Increased carbohydrate and sugar intake positively correlate with the incidence of audio-vestibular dysfunction, whereas a Mediterranean-style diet can protect against the disease. Antioxidants in the form of vitamins A, C, and E; physical activity; good sleep quality; smoking cessation; moderate alcohol consumption; and avoiding noise exposure are also beneficial. Conclusions: Adequate diet or nutritional interventions with lifestyle modification may protect against developing audio-vestibular dysfunction in elderly individuals.

Composition of healthy diets for older persons

“…Apart from visual impairment, audio-vestibular disorders such as hearing loss, tinnitus, and vertigo are common in older adults. A literature review summarized that a high-fat diet increased the risk of developing age-related hearing loss (ARHL), and low protein intake was associated with hearing discomfort in older adults [44 ▪▪ ]. Increased carbohydrate and sugar intake were associated with an increased incidence of audio-vestibular dysfunction, whereas MeDi can protect against it.…”

“…Increased carbohydrate and sugar intake were associated with an increased incidence of audio-vestibular dysfunction, whereas MeDi can protect against it. Vitamins A, C, and E also minimize the risk of ARHL [44 ▪▪ ]. The Survey of the Health of Wisconsin found that lower adherence to the American Heart Foundation Guideline (adequate fruits and vegetables, fiber, and fish intake, and limited intake of sugar and saturated fat) was associated with higher odds of self-reported hearing loss in male individuals but not female individuals [45].…”

Cocktail regimen in treatment of sudden sensorineural hearing loss

“…This study contributes to the body of literature by evaluating the treatment outcomes of a cocktail regimen in a sample of 35 patients with SSNHL, using objective audiometric measures and established recovery criteria. 8,9…”