The underlying foundation of noise-induced hearing loss might seem well-founded. After all, the name itself suggests a fairly straightforward cause-and-effect relationship. Our fundamental understanding is that irreversible hearing damage is a result of exposure to overly loud sound over a long period of time.
Though we’ve recognized this for some time now, we haven’t completely understood the inherent mechanisms behind it. But because of recent research, we’re developing a deeper understanding of noise-related hearing loss, and this includes the role of zinc intake after being exposed to loud sounds. Hearing loss and zinc regulation have a significant link according to this research.
What is zinc? And how does it affect hearing impairment?
Zinc is a commonplace mineral. The majority of individuals have plenty of zinc in their bodies, carrying out distinct and necessary functions. Healthy amounts of zinc are linked to a well-functioning immune system and play a role in how well your brain translates chemical signals. In most instances, a person’s diet supplies enough zinc.
The link between zinc and hearing loss may, at first sight, be difficult to recognize. After all, it isn’t immediately clear what role zinc plays in your hearing. A new experiment has begun to expose what’s going on, however.
Researchers performed some analysis on mice that were exposed to loud noise. In mice, as with humans, the sensitive mechanisms of the ear become damaged when exposed to loud noise. In humans, this may first be encountered as a temporary muffling of sound. As an individual is continually exposed to loud noise, this damage will become more extreme and lasting. In both mice and humans, the body is not able to heal or repair this damage.
Researchers also took blood samples from the mice and noticed some fascinating results in terms of free-floating zinc.
Does zinc help or cause hearing loss?
Scientists now have a greater picture of how the symptoms of noise-related hearing loss happen because of this research. Usually, when zinc is in the body, it’s bound molecularly. Researchers discovered zinc in free-floating form when the experiment’s mice were exposed to loud noise. Zinc most likely reacts the same way in humans.
This zinc de-regulation ends up doing cellular damage to the inner ear, specifically to the parts of the inner ear responsible for clear hearing. Scientists are now thinking that this is one of the mechanisms that causes hearing damage related to noise exposure.
Managing hearing loss
Over time, this type of understanding may help scientists stop noise-related 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 there are still other ways to protect your ears.
So, you may be wondering: how can I prevent noise-induced hearing loss?
Here are several measures you can take to protect your hearing:
- Use hearing protection: Ear muffs and ear plugs can help your ears cope with noisy settings that you can’t, or don’t want to stay away from. A set 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.
- Consistently check in with your hearing specialist: Detecting damage as early as possible can help minimize long-term damage, and coming in to see us for a routine hearing test is the best way to do that.
- Regulate your exposure to loud noises: This clearly 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 people speaking loudly in a busy office.
Safeguard your ears by understanding causes
Can you reverse noise-induced hearing loss? Regrettably not. This type of hearing loss and tinnitus cannot be cured, though it can be managed very effectively. Better understanding the causes of hearing loss and the mechanisms by which hearing loss functions can help hearing specialists (and you) formulate better strategies and treatments tailored to keep your hearing safe.
This research is probably just the first step in a longer undertaking. But every bit helps. Your immediate role is to get your hearing evaluated and use hearing protection.