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NFKB1 and Hearing Health: What Your rs3774937 Genotype Means

Hearing loss is common and can have a major effect on communication and quality of life. Age, noise exposure, infections, and medical conditions like Meniere’s disease all influence hearing over time. The NFKB1 gene helps regulate immune responses and inflammation, processes that are important for the health of inner ear structures. Variations at the rs3774937 position in NFKB1 have been linked to differences in how quickly hearing loss progresses in people who develop Meniere’s disease, particularly when only one ear is affected.

This article explains how different rs3774937 genotypes relate to hearing loss risk, and gives practical, evidence-informed lifestyle, diet, supplement, and monitoring suggestions to support ear health as you age. PlexusDx does not provide medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to medications, supplements, or your care plan.

How NFKB1 Can Influence Hearing

NFKB1 is part of a signaling system that controls inflammation and immune responses. In the inner ear, too much inflammation or impaired immune regulation can contribute to damage of delicate sensory cells and fluid balance disturbances. Inflammatory changes are thought to play a role in the progression of hearing loss in conditions like Meniere’s disease. The rs3774937 variant does not cause Meniere’s disease, but certain alleles have been associated with a faster rate of hearing deterioration once Meniere’s is present.

2 effect alleles (CC genotype)

If you have the CC genotype at rs3774937, you carry two copies of the effect allele. Research associates this genotype with faster progression to hearing loss in people with Meniere’s disease, particularly when only one ear is affected. This does not mean you will develop Meniere’s disease or rapid hearing loss, but it suggests a greater susceptibility to accelerated decline if the condition occurs.

Consider focusing on strategies that reduce inner ear inflammation and protect hearing so you can slow potential progression:

  • Anti-inflammatory eating pattern rich in colorful fruits and vegetables, oily fish, nuts, seeds, whole grains, and lean proteins.
  • Regular omega-3 supplementation or increased oily fish consumption to support vascular and inner ear health. Typical supplemental doses range from 500 to 1000 mg combined EPA and DHA daily, but follow your provider's guidance.
  • Antioxidant support through vitamins C and E from food or multivitamin supplementation if indicated.
  • Consider magnesium from diet or supplements, as it may help protect against noise-related hearing damage. Dietary sources include leafy greens, nuts, seeds, and legumes.
  • Strict hearing protection around loud environments: earplugs or earmuffs and limiting exposure time.
  • Stress management techniques such as mindfulness, cognitive behavioral strategies, or regular moderate exercise to reduce systemic inflammation and symptom burden.
  • Maintain healthy sleep habits and control cardiovascular risk factors like blood pressure and blood sugar that affect inner ear circulation.
  • Schedule regular hearing assessments and share your genotype information with your ENT or audiologist so monitoring can be tailored.
1 effect allele (CT genotype)

If you have the CT genotype, you carry one copy of the effect allele. This genotype is associated with likely faster progression to hearing loss in people with Meniere’s disease, particularly unilateral cases. It does not cause Meniere’s disease but may influence the rate of decline once the condition develops.

Practical steps to consider include:

  • Adopt an anti-inflammatory diet emphasizing vegetables, fruit, whole grains, lean protein, and sources of healthy fat like olive oil, avocados, and fatty fish.
  • Discuss omega-3 supplementation with your provider. Dietary sources such as salmon, sardines, and mackerel are beneficial.
  • Support with antioxidants through a varied diet rich in berries, leafy greens, and colorful vegetables. Consider a routine multivitamin if dietary intake is limited.
  • Magnesium-rich foods can help protect against noise-related damage and support nerve function.
  • Prioritize hearing protection in noisy settings and avoid unnecessary loud exposures.
  • Manage stress, sleep, and cardiovascular health to support inner ear blood flow and reduce inflammatory triggers.
  • Ask your clinician about a personalized hearing monitoring schedule and inform them of your genotype to refine follow up plans.
0 effect alleles (TT genotype)

If you have the TT genotype, you carry two copies of the non-effect allele. This is the most common genotype and is associated with the typical progression of hearing loss in Meniere’s disease. Your genetic profile does not include the C variant linked to faster progression in unilateral Meniere’s cases. That said, standard preventive measures remain important for preserving hearing as you age.

Recommended measures include:

  • Maintain an anti-inflammatory dietary pattern and stay hydrated to support inner ear homeostasis.
  • Protect ears from loud noise and limit exposure duration.
  • Keep cardiovascular risk factors such as blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar under control.
  • Practice regular stress-reduction strategies and prioritize consistent sleep.
  • Regular hearing check-ups, particularly if you experience tinnitus, ear fullness, vertigo, or changes in hearing.

Diet, Supplements, and Lifestyle: Practical Tips

  • Diet: Emphasize whole foods. Aim for a variety of vegetables and fruits daily, include fatty fish 2 to 3 times per week, choose whole grains, and use healthy fats like olive oil. Reduce processed foods high in added sugars and trans fats that promote inflammation.
  • Supplements: Talk with your provider before starting supplements. Common considerations for ear and neural health include omega-3 fish oil, magnesium, and general antioxidant support through a daily multivitamin if diet is inadequate.
  • Noise protection: Use earplugs or earmuffs in noisy work or recreational settings. Keep personal audio devices at safe volume levels and follow the 60/60 rule: 60 percent volume for no more than 60 minutes at a time.
  • Stress and sleep: Regular physical activity, mindfulness or meditation practices, and good sleep hygiene reduce systemic inflammation and may help manage symptoms like tinnitus or vertigo.
  • Cardiovascular health: Control blood pressure, lipid levels, and blood sugar. Small vessel circulation matters for inner ear function.

Monitoring and Tests to Discuss With Your Provider

  • Baseline and periodic audiograms to track hearing thresholds over time.
  • Vestibular testing if you experience dizziness or balance problems.
  • Blood work as indicated to assess metabolic and inflammatory markers, lipid profile, and blood sugar control.
  • ENT or audiology referral for any new, unexplained hearing changes, fullness, or recurrent vertigo.

PlexusDx provides educational information about genetic predispositions. This content is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making decisions about medical care, testing, or treatments. Share your genotype information with your clinician so it can be incorporated into a personalized care plan.