It may seem as though the roots of noise-induced hearing loss are functionally well-understood. After all, the name itself suggests a fairly direct cause-and-effect relationship. Our basic understanding is that permanent hearing damage is caused by exposure to overly loud noise over a long period of time.
And while that’s accurate, the mechanisms behind that cause have not always been so well understood. But because of new 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 a significant connection according to this research.
What is zinc? And how does it impact hearing impairment?
Zinc is a mineral needed for carrying out necessary bodily functions and most individuals have plenty of it. 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 individuals get enough zinc from their food every day.
The link between zinc and hearing loss might, at first glance, be difficult to identify. After all, it’s not immediately clear what role zinc plays in your hearing. A new experiment has started to reveal what’s going on, however.
Researchers exposed mice to loud noises and carried out a few analyses afterward. When exposed to loud noises, the same thing happens to mice as happens to humans: the delicate parts of the ear become damaged. For humans, sound will initially become impermanently muffled. This will become more acute and more permanent as chronic noise exposure continues. In both mice and humans, the body isn’t capable of healing or repairing this damage.
Researchers also took blood samples from the mice and observed some interesting results in terms of free-floating zinc.
Is hearing loss caused or helped by zinc?
Scientists now have a greater picture of how the symptoms of noise-induced hearing loss occur because of these results. Typically, zinc in the body is molecularly bound. Researchers discovered zinc in free-floating form after the experiment’s mice were subjected to loud noise. It’s likely the same thing happens in humans.
This zinc de-regulation winds 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
As scientists reach a deeper understanding of this, they might be able to formulate novel ways to prevent hearing loss in individuals who are frequently subjected to loud noise. Regrettably, these advancements are likely still some ways off. But there are still other ways to safeguard your ears.
So, how can you protect yourself from noise-related hearing loss?
Here are several measures you can take to safeguard your hearing:
- Limit your exposure to loud sounds: This clearly includes noises such as jet engines, concerts, or sporting events. But many people would also be surprised to discover that everyday sounds like chatty offices, traffic, or leaf blowers can also cause hearing damage.
- Routinely check in with your hearing specialist: Detecting damage as early as possible can help reduce long-term damage, and coming in to see us for a routine hearing test is the best way to do that.
- Use ear protection: Ear muffs and ear plugs can help your ears cope with loud environments that you can’t, or don’t want to avoid. A pair of earplugs can, for example, allow you to attend that loud concert and still be able to hear the music but also offer some protection against permanent hearing loss.
Understand the causes, protect your ears
Can you cure noise-induced hearing loss? Unfortunately not. This form of hearing loss and tinnitus can’t be cured, though it can be managed very effectively. 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 tailored to keep your hearing safe.
Although this research is encouraging, we still have a ways to go. But we seem to be getting closer to understanding. On an individual level, it’s important to take measures to safeguard your hearing and check in with your hearing specialist.