The underlying foundation of noise-related hearing loss might seem well-understood. After all, the name itself indicates a fairly straightforward cause-and-effect relationship. Our basic understanding is that irreversible hearing damage is a result of exposure to overly loud noise over a long period of time.
And while that’s accurate, the mechanisms behind that cause haven’t always been so well understood. But because of new research, we’re developing a greater understanding of noise-induced hearing loss, including the role of zinc intake after being exposed to loud noises. This research suggests that there’s a significant connection between zinc and hearing loss.
What is zinc? And how does it affect hearing impairment?
Zinc is a common mineral. The majority of individuals have plenty of zinc in their bodies, carrying out specific and essential functions. Healthy amounts of zinc are connected with a well-functioning immune system and play a role in how well your brain translates chemical signals. In most cases, a person’s diet provides enough zinc.
The connection between zinc and hearing loss might, at first sight, be difficult to recognize. After all, it’s not instantly obvious what role zinc plays in your hearing. A new experiment has begun to expose what’s going on, however.
Researchers exposed mice to loud noises and conducted a few analyses afterward. In mice, as with humans, the sensitive mechanisms of the ear become damaged when exposed to loud sound. In humans, this might first be encountered as a temporary muffling of sound. This will become more serious and more permanent as chronic noise exposure continues. This damage can’t be healed in either humans or mice.
Researchers also took blood samples from the mice and observed some fascinating results in terms of free-floating zinc.
Is hearing loss caused or helped by zinc?
Because of this research, scientists now better understand how noise-related hearing loss symptoms happen. Typically, zinc in the body is molecularly bound. During the experiment, researchers observed that zinc became free-floating when the ears were subjected to loud noises and sound-related stresses. It’s likely the same thing happens in humans.
This zinc de-regulation ends up causing cellular damage to the inner ear, particularly to the parts of the inner ear in control of clear hearing. Scientists are now thinking that this is one of the mechanisms that causes hearing damage related to noise exposure.
How to treat hearing loss
Over time, this kind of understanding could help scientists prevent noise-related hearing loss from ever happening, even in those individuals who are frequently exposed to loud noises. Unfortunately, these developments are likely still some ways off. But there are still other ways to protect your ears.
So, how can you safeguard yourself from noise-related hearing loss?
There are a number of strategies you can utilize to safeguard your ears:
- Limit your exposure to loud sounds: This obviously includes noises like jet engines, concerts, or sporting events. 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 talking loudly in a busy office.
- Routinely check in with your hearing specialist: Undergoing a hearing test (and routinely checking in with us) can help detect damage early.
- Use hearing protection: If there are noisy settings you want to be in, or simply can’t avoid, ear plugs and ear muffs can help decrease the damage. A pair of earplugs can, for instance, allow you to attend that loud concert and still be capable of hearing the music but also provide some protection against irreversible hearing loss.
Protect your ears by understanding causes
Can noise-related hearing loss be reversed? Unfortunately not. Although you can successfully manage this form of hearing loss and any associated tinnitus, it can’t be cured. Better understanding the causes of hearing loss and the mechanisms by which hearing loss works can help hearing specialists (and you) formulate better techniques and treatments designed to keep your hearing safe.
This research is probably just the first step in a longer undertaking. But every bit helps. On a personal level, it’s crucial to take steps to protect your hearing and check in with your hearing specialist.