Summary:
Beltone has relaunched its nationwide Hear2End Hunger Food Drive, combining efforts to combat food insecurity with free hearing screenings to raise awareness of the link between nutrition and hearing health.

Key Takeaways:

  • The campaign runs through Sept. 30, with Beltone centers serving as donation sites for non-perishable food and offering free hearing tests to donors.
  • Nutrition plays a critical role in hearing health, with nutrients like omega-3s, magnesium, potassium, folate, and zinc shown to help prevent age-related hearing loss.
  • The initiative reflects Beltone’s broader community mission, contributing thousands of food items in 2024 and highlighting the growing issue of U.S. food insecurity.

For the second year in a row, hearing care provider Beltone is launching its Hear2End Hunger Food Drive – an initiative aimed at reducing food insecurity and increasing access to hearing health resources in communities across the country. From now through Sept. 30, participating Beltone hearing centers will serve as drop-off sites for non-perishable food donations and offer free hearing screenings to those who donate.

Hearing loss is the third most common chronic health condition in the U.S., with the World Health Organization estimating that approximately 48 million Americans experience some degree of hearing loss. Launched in 2024, the Hear2End Hunger campaign reflects Beltone’s ongoing commitment to supporting local communities. Last year, the initiative contributed thousands of food items to local food banks and pantries nationwide while raising awareness around the important connection between nutrition and hearing health.

That connection is made even more pressing by the U.S.’s rising levels of food insecurity. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, 13.5% of U.S. households were food insecure at some time during 2023–a jump from 2022’s 12.8%. What’s more, studies have found that nutrition plays a key role in the development and prevention of age-related hearing loss, underscoring the importance of food access and routine hearing care.

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How Nutrition Plays a Role in Hearing Health

  • Omega-3 Fatty Acids: These anti-inflammatory and anti-aging nutrients offer numerous benefits for hearing health, potentially reducing the effects of age-related hearing loss.
  • Magnesium: Essential for nerve function and blood flow, magnesium supports overall health of the auditory system and may help mitigate the effects of noise exposure.  
  • Potassium: By regulating fluid levels in the ears, potassium helps reduce the risk of hearing loss associated with low fluid levels.  
  • Folate: Important for circulation, folate promotes cell growth and helps maintain the health of ear cells and may reduce the effects of hearing loss.
  • Zinc: Promotes cell growth for healthier auditory cells and strengthens the immune system to prevent infections that may cause tinnitus or hearing loss.  
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“Beltone was founded 85 years ago on the principle of looking out for your neighbor, and Hear2End Hunger is one of the ways we continue that tradition today,” says David Molella, president of Beltone North America. “Ultimately, this initiative provides an opportunity to support those facing hunger while also encouraging individuals to take a proactive step toward their hearing health.”

You can visit the website to learn more about Hear2End Hunger and participating Beltone hearing centers.