It might seem as though the roots of noise-induced hearing loss are functionally well-recognized. After all, the name itself indicates a fairly direct cause-and-effect relationship. Our basic understanding is that irreversible hearing damage is caused by exposure to overly loud noise over a long period of time.
Though we’ve recognized this for some time now, we haven’t perfectly understood the inherent mechanisms behind it. But because of recent research, we’re gaining a deeper understanding of noise-induced hearing loss, and this includes the role of zinc intake after being exposed to loud sounds. Hearing loss and zinc regulation have an important connection according to this research.
What is zinc? And how does it affect hearing impairment?
Zinc is a common mineral. The majority of people have plenty of zinc in their bodies, performing distinct and necessary functions. Healthy levels of zinc are associated with a well-functioning immune system and play a part in how well your brain interprets chemical signals. In most instances, a person’s diet provides plenty of zinc.
At first glance, it may be challenging to see the relationship between hearing loss and zinc. After all, it isn’t instantly obvious what role zinc plays in your hearing. However, a unique experiment has shed some light on what’s going on.
Researchers exposed mice to loud sounds and performed a few analyses afterward. In mice, as with humans, the sensitive mechanisms of the ear become damaged when exposed to loud sound. For humans, sound will initially become temporarily muffled. As a person is continually exposed to loud noise, this damage will become more extreme and lasting. This damage can’t be healed in either humans or mice.
After taking some blood samples from the mice, some fascinating results in terms of free-floating zinc were discovered.
Is hearing loss caused or helped by zinc?
Scientists now have a greater understanding of how the symptoms of noise-related hearing loss happen because of these results. Typically, zinc in the body is molecularly bound. During the experiment, researchers noticed that zinc became free-floating when the ears were exposed to loud noises and sound-induced stresses. Zinc most likely behaves the same way in humans.
The free-floating zinc triggers damage to sensitive portions of the inner ear that are crucial in order to hear clearly. Scientists are now thinking that this is one of the mechanisms that causes hearing damage due to noise exposure.
Managing hearing loss
Over time, this sort of understanding could help scientists stop noise-induced hearing loss from ever occurring, even in those people who are often subjected to loud noises. However, it may be some time before those advancements become a viable reality. But that doesn’t mean your ears can’t be protected.
So, how can you protect yourself from noise-related hearing loss?
There are a number of approaches you may use to protect your ears:
- Consistently check in with your hearing specialist: Getting a hearing screening (and regularly checking in with us) can help detect damage early.
- Regulate your exposure to loud sounds: Sporting events, concerts, and jet engines belong to this category. But there are some more commonplace noises that can cause hearing loss that may be surprising, and that includes things like a leaf blower, traffic, or individuals speaking loudly in a bustling office.
- Wear hearing protection: If there are loud settings you want to be in, or merely can’t avoid, ear plugs and ear muffs can help minimize the damage. If you attend that concert, for instance, wear a set of ear plugs to ensure you can still hear, but that your ears don’t become irreversibly damaged as a consequence.
Protect your ears by understanding causes
Can you cure noise-related hearing loss? Sadly no. This form of hearing loss and tinnitus can’t be cured, though it can be managed very effectively. Strategies created to keep your hearing safe will be more effective the better you understand the mechanisms behind hearing loss.
This research is most likely just the first step in a longer undertaking. But every bit helps. On a personal level, it’s essential to take steps to safeguard your hearing and check in with your hearing specialist.