The underlying foundation of noise-induced hearing loss may seem well-founded. A fairly obvious cause-and-effect relationship is indicated by the name, after all. The universal understanding is simply that loud sounds damage the hearing mechanisms in the ear, causing long-term and permanent hearing loss.
And while that’s accurate, the mechanisms underpinning that cause haven’t always been so well established. But because of recent research, we’re gaining a greater understanding of noise-induced hearing loss, including the role of zinc intake after being exposed to loud sounds. Hearing loss and zinc regulation have an important link according to this research.
What is zinc? And how does it impact hearing loss?
Zinc is a common mineral. The majority of individuals have an abundance of zinc in their bodies, carrying out distinct and necessary functions. Zinc helps your brain interpret chemical signals and is connected to immune system functions. In most instances, a person’s diet provides plenty of zinc.
The link between zinc and hearing loss might, at first glance, be difficult to recognize. 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 performed some analysis on mice that were exposed to loud sound. When exposed to loud noises, the same thing happens to mice as happens to humans: the fragile parts of the ear become damaged. In humans, this might first be encountered as a temporary muffling of sound. This will become more acute and more permanent as persistent noise exposure continues. This damage can’t be cured in either humans or mice.
After taking some blood samples from the mice, some fascinating results in terms of free-floating zinc were revealed.
Is hearing loss caused or helped by zinc?
Because of this research, scientists now have a better understanding of how noise-related hearing loss symptoms happen. Usually, zinc in the body is molecularly bound. Researchers discovered zinc in free-floating form when the experiment’s mice were exposed to loud noise. It’s likely the same thing occurs in humans.
This zinc de-regulation winds up doing cellular damage to the inner ear, particularly to the parts of the inner ear responsible for clear hearing. This is the mechanism that scientists now think results in the kind of damage that causes noise-induced hearing loss.
Treating hearing loss
As scientists gain a greater understanding of this, they may be able to develop novel methods to prevent hearing loss in individuals who are regularly subjected to loud noise. Regrettably, these developments are likely still some ways off. But there are still other ways to safeguard your ears.
So, how can you safeguard yourself from noise-induced hearing loss?
There are several approaches you can utilize to protect your ears:
- Wear ear protection: If there are loud environments you want to be in, or merely can’t stay away from, ear plugs and ear muffs can help decrease the damage. A set of earplugs can, for example, allow you to attend that loud concert and still be capable of hearing the music but also offer some protection against irreversible hearing loss.
- Limit your exposure to loud noises: This obviously includes noises such as jet engines, concerts, or sporting events. But there are some more commonplace noises that can cause hearing loss that might be surprising, including things like a leaf blower, traffic, or individuals speaking loudly in a bustling office.
- Routinely check in with your hearing specialist: Discovering damage as early as possible can help decrease long-term damage, and coming in to see us for a routine hearing test is the best way to do that.
Understand the causes, safeguard your ears
Can you cure noise-related hearing loss? Sadly no. Though you can successfully treat this form of hearing loss and any related tinnitus, it can’t be cured. Better understanding the causes of hearing loss and the mechanisms by which hearing loss functions can help hearing specialists (and you) develop better strategies and treatments designed to keep your hearing safe.
This research is likely just the first step in a longer process. But we seem to be getting closer to understanding. Your immediate role is to get your hearing examined and use ear protection.
