Delhi, India (BBN)-There are many recommended ways to prevent loss of hearing.

Protect your ears from hazardous noise exposure, keep your ears clean and all infections at bay.

However, following a balanced diet can also go a long way to help prevent loss of hearing, reports

NDTV.

What you eat can have a big impact on how well you hear.

"According to large population databases, people with healthy diets who eat adequate fruit and vegetables, have better hearing thresholds than people with a substandard diet" said Colleen Le Prell, professor at Florida University.

We've heard a lot about how a balanced diet can influence weight, muscle and bone strength, cholesterol, blood pressure, but not so much about hearing.

However, with increasing research and scientific knowledge, the use of specific foods in both treatment and prevention of hearing loss has become a common phenomenon.

Including certain minerals in your diet may reduce the risk of hearing loss and knowing which food gives you these minerals becomes equally important.

Here's a list of some foods that you can include in your diet to reduce or prevent loss of hearing:

FISH

Stack up on sardines, trout, salmon or tuna as they are an exceptionally good source of Omega-3 Fats and Vitamin D.

Omega-3 Fats protect the heart and are therefore key to prevent loss of hearing.

BROCCOLI

When your mom says "finish those veggies, they're good for you" she's absolutely right.

A regular intake of antioxidants, especially in the form of folic acid also found in spinach, asparagus, beans, eggs or nuts, can reduce the risk of hearing loss by up to 20 percent.

BANANAS

Bananas provide the body with much needed magnesium that helps prevent noise-related hearing loss. Scientists say that this is because magnesium works like protective barrier for the delicate hair cells in the inner ear and combats the effects of free radicals emitted during loud noises.

DARK CHOCOLATE

Dark Chocolate is a rich source of Zinc that strengthens the body's immune system, is responsible for cell growth and helps fight off ear infections.

ORANGES

Oranges are a rich source of Potassium, Vitamin C and E.

Both vitamin C and E act as antioxidants to protect cells from extreme damage.

Vitamin E revitalizes blood vessels and nerves while vitamin C boosts immune function that helps ward off ear infections.

BBN/ANS-04June14-3:20pm (BST)