Help for hearing loss

A recent e-mail reminded me that while we often address vision concerns in both e-Alerts and HSI Members Alerts, we shouldn’t forget the importance of maintaining our hearing. A member named W.F. wrote with this question:

“My hearing seems to be deteriorating almost daily. Are there any supplements that could help?”

W.F. didn’t give his age, but there’s a good chance that he’s experiencing presbycusis, or age-related hearing loss. The factor that triggers presbycusis, however, may come from any number of sources, including: ear infections; repeated exposure to loud noises; chemotherapy treatment; and the use of some antibiotics such as streptomycin, neomycin, and kanamycin. Reduced hearing capacity may also be due to free-radical damage, reduced blood flow in the ear, or even genetics.

The good news for W.F. is that hearing loss can be halted and even reversed in some cases with a natural antioxidant called vinpocetine – an extract from the seeds of the periwinkle plant. Vinpocetine is a vasodilator, which means it increases circulation and helps deliver more oxygen to the cells. In this capacity, it’s sometimes combined with other herbs and constituents to enhance hearing and memory function.

In an HSI Members Alert we sent you in November 2001, we told you about a vinpocetine supplement called VincaHear, specifically formulated to improve hearing. VincaHear (available through life-enhancement.com) combines vinpocetine with other components that have been shown to benefit hearing, such as Ginkgo biloba, quercetin, niacin, vitamin D3, calcium, and magnesium.

As with any new addition to your supplement regimen, you should check with your doctor before taking vinpocetine – especially if you’re currently taking any blood-thinning supplement or drug (including preventative or therapeutic aspirin use) or are being treated for a cardiac or vascular disorder. The ability to improve both hearing and cognitive functions with one supplement obviously has a strong appeal, but not at the risk of creating other health problems.

To Your Good Health,

Jenny Thompson
Health Sciences Institute

Sources:
“Almost Everything You Want to Know About Vinpocetine” Dr. Gail Valentine, Life Enhancement, 9/99, life-enhancement.com