Written based on 8 research studies on PubMed, searched on 2026. nov. 14..
The claim
Posts online say that omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil) helps with hearing loss.
Where research stands
We found 8 published papers on omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil) and hearing loss. They were published between 2010 and 2024. 1 of them is a study in people. 1 of them compared people who got it with a group that did not. 4 were studies in animals, and none was only in cells in the lab. 1 paper is a review that sums up other studies.
- 1In people1 with a comparison group
- 4In animals
- 0Only in the lab
What the studies found
We have not summed up these studies in words yet. The most important papers are listed under Sources.
Verdict
Omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil) has been tested in randomised trials in people with hearing loss.
What this means for you: A study in people is not proof that it helps you. Do not stop or change your medicines because of it. Ask your doctor before you start taking it.
Sources
- Omega-3 Adjunctive Therapy in Idiopathic SSNHL: A Randomised, Triple-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial.2023 · Iran J Otorhinolaryngol · Randomised trial
- Omega-3 fatty acids and health of auditory and vestibular systems: a comprehensive review.2024 · Eur J Nutr · Review
- Prevention of progressive hearing loss in a mouse model of diabetes by oral intake of eicosapentaenoic acid ethyl ester.2023 · Acta Otolaryngol · In animals
- Effects of enriched endogenous omega-3 fatty acids on age-related hearing loss in mice.2019 · BMC Res Notes · In animals
- Long-term omega-3 fatty acid supplementation prevents expression changes in cochlear homocysteine metabolism and ameliorates progressive hearing loss in C57BL/6J mice.2015 · J Nutr Biochem · In animals
- Consumption of omega-3 fatty acids and fish and risk of age-related hearing loss.2010 · Am J Clin Nutr · In animals
- Ophthalmic Diagnosis and Novel Management of Infantile Refsum Disease with Combination Docosahexaenoic Acid and Cholic Acid.2021 · Case Rep Ophthalmol Med · Other paper
- Can you hear me now? The quest for better guidance on omega-3 fatty acid consumption to combat hearing loss.2016 · Clinics (Sao Paulo) · Other paper
