We’ve heard the buzz about red wine being good for the heart, a glass a day keeping adults healthier, but could alcohol also have a positive effect on your hearing?
A study was conducted following 51,000 professionals between the ages of 40 and 75 years (including dentists, optometrists, pharmacists, etc.) to see if alcohol intake had an effect on hearing loss in men. The study started in 1986 and followed the men every two years, by having them respond to a health-related questionnaire for 20 years.
The report showed no association between the amount of alcohol consumed and hearing loss, however it did present some evidence that alcohol may help preserve hearing by creating optimal cochlear blood flow.
Curhan SG, Eavey R, Shargorodsky J, Curhan, GC. (2010) Prospective Study of Alcohol Use and Hearing Loss in Men. Ear & Hearing 32(1):46-52.