Magnesium for Hearing Loss

Magnesium may protect the cochlea during noise exposure, but no supplement restores hearing that has already been lost.

Overview

Magnesium may protect the cochlea during noise exposure, but no supplement restores hearing that has already been lost.

Verdict

Mixed evidence

The interesting evidence is preventive: magnesium before loud noise exposure reduced threshold shifts in military recruits. It does nothing for established loss.

How It Works

Noise damage involves glutamate excitotoxicity and cochlear vasoconstriction. Magnesium blocks NMDA receptor channels and promotes vasodilation, potentially limiting hair cell death during and shortly after intense sound exposure.

Dosing & Protocol

Typical dose

Recommended dose: 200-400mg elemental magnesium daily
Expected timeframe: Protective effect requires dosing before exposure, not after

Protocol

notes: Protective only. Hearing protection is dramatically more effective than any supplement.
dosage: 200-400mg elemental magnesium daily during periods of repeated noise exposure
duration: Throughout the exposure period

Evidence

What the studies say

A randomised trial in Israeli military recruits found that 167mg of magnesium aspartate daily during two months of noise exposure significantly reduced permanent threshold shifts compared with placebo. Animal studies consistently show cochlear protection when magnesium is given before noise. However, no trial has shown improvement in established sensorineural hearing loss, and magnesium has not been shown to help age-related presbycusis at all.

Antioxidant vitamins and magnesium and the risk of hearing loss in the US general population

Score: 5/10

2014

observational

n=2592

Choi YH, Miller JM, Tucker KL +2 more

High intakes of beta-carotene or vitamin C combined with high magnesium compared with low intakes of both nutrients were significantly associated with lower (better) PTAs at high frequencies.

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An Oral Combination of Vitamins A, C, E, and Mg++ Improves Auditory Thresholds in Age-Related Hearing Loss

Score: 4/10

2018

observational

n=40

Alvarado JC, Fuentes-Santamaria V, Gabaldon-Ull MC +1 more

An oral combination of vitamins A, C, E, and Mg++ improves auditory thresholds in age-related hearing loss.

View source

Oral magnesium intake reduces permanent hearing loss induced by noise exposure

Score: 6/10

1994

rct

n=300

Attias J, Weisz G, Almog S +7 more

NIPTS was significantly more frequent and more severe in the placebo group than in the magnesium group, especially in bilateral damages.

View source

Safety

Caveats

This is not a substitute for ear protection, and it does nothing for hearing already lost. Doses above 350mg cause diarrhoea.

Less likely to help if

People with age-related presbycusis or long-standing noise damage should not expect any benefit — the hair cells are already gone.

Medical Disclaimer

The information provided on this website is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or before starting any supplement regimen.

Individual results may vary. The statements on this website have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Products and information are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.