It may seem as if the causes of noise-related hearing loss are functionally well-understood. A fairly obvious cause-and-effect relationship is indicated by the name, after all. Our fundamental understanding is that permanent 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 perfectly understood the inherent mechanisms behind it. But because of new 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 noises. Hearing loss and zinc regulation have a significant connection according to this research.
What is zinc? And how does it impact hearing loss?
Zinc is a commonplace mineral. The majority of individuals have plenty of zinc in their bodies, carrying out distinct and essential 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. With a few exceptions, most people get plenty of zinc from their food every day.
At first, it may be difficult to determine the association between hearing loss and zinc. The link between zinc and hearing isn’t, after all, instantly obvious. A new experiment has started to expose what’s going on, however.
Researchers exposed mice to loud sounds and performed a few analyses afterward. In mice, as with humans, the fragile mechanisms of the ear become damaged when exposed to loud sound. For humans, sound will initially become temporarily muffled. This will become more acute and more permanent as chronic noise exposure continues. This damage can’t be cured in either humans or mice.
Researchers also took blood samples from the mice and noticed some interesting results in terms of free-floating zinc.
Is hearing loss caused or helped by zinc?
Because of this result, scientists now have a better understanding of how noise-related hearing loss symptoms happen. Normally, when zinc is in the body, it’s bound molecularly. Researchers discovered zinc in free-floating form when the experiment’s mice were subjected to loud noise. It’s likely the same thing happens in humans.
The free-floating zinc causes damage to fragile portions of the inner ear that are crucial in order to hear clearly. This is the mechanism that scientists now think results in the type of damage that causes noise-induced hearing loss.
How to treat hearing loss
Over time, this sort of understanding may help scientists stop noise-related hearing loss from ever occurring, 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 protect yourself from noise-induced hearing loss?
There are a number of strategies you can use to safeguard your ears:
- Wear ear 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 pair of earplugs can, for instance, allow you to attend that loud concert and still be able to hear the music but also offer some protection against permanent hearing loss.
- Regulate your exposure to loud noises: 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 people talking loudly in a busy office.
- Routinely check in with your hearing specialist: Undergoing a hearing test (and regularly checking in with us) can help detect damage early.
Understand the causes, safeguard your ears
Can noise-induced hearing loss be cured? Sadly no. This form of hearing loss and tinnitus can’t be cured, though it can be managed very successfully. Strategies developed to keep your hearing safe will be more successful the better you understand the mechanisms behind hearing loss.
Even though this research is promising, we still have a ways to go. But we appear to be getting closer to understanding. Your direct role is to get your hearing examined and use hearing protection.