The underlying basis of noise-induced hearing loss may seem well-understood. A fairly clear-cut cause-and-effect relationship is indicated by the name, after all. 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 true, the mechanisms behind that cause haven’t always been so well understood. But because of recent research, we’re gaining a greater 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 an important connection according to this research.
What is zinc? And how does it impact hearing loss?
Zinc is a mineral required for carrying out necessary bodily functions and most people have plenty of it. Zinc helps your brain interpret chemical signals and is connected to immune system functions. In most instances, a person’s diet supplies plenty of zinc.
At first, it may be challenging to see the connection between hearing loss and zinc. The link between zinc and hearing isn’t, after all, immediately obvious. However, a unique experiment has shed some light on what’s going on.
Researchers engaged in some analysis on mice that were exposed to loud noise. When exposed to loud noises, the same thing happens to mice as happens to humans: the delicate parts of the ear become damaged. In humans, this might first be experienced as a temporary muffling of sound. This will become more serious and more permanent as chronic noise exposure continues. In both mice and humans, the body is not able to heal or repair this damage.
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 occur. Typically, zinc in the body is molecularly bound. During the experiment, researchers noticed that zinc became free-floating after the ears were exposed to loud noises and sound-related stresses. It’s likely the same thing happens in humans.
The free-floating zinc causes damage to sensitive portions of the inner ear that are crucial in order to hear clearly. Scientists are now thinking that this is one of the mechanisms that produces hearing damage due to noise exposure.
How to treat hearing loss
Over time, this type of understanding could help scientists prevent noise-induced hearing loss from ever happening, even in those people who are often exposed to loud noises. Regrettably, these advancements are likely still some ways off. But that doesn’t mean your ears can’t be protected.
So, you may be asking: how can I prevent noise-related hearing loss?
There are several approaches you can employ to safeguard your ears:
- Use ear protection: Ear muffs and ear plugs can help your ears deal with loud settings 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 capable of hearing the music but also offer some protection against irreversible hearing loss.
- Regulate your exposure to loud noises: This obviously includes noises like jet engines, concerts, or sporting events. But many people would also be surprised to discover that everyday noises like chatty workplaces, traffic, or leaf blowers can also result in hearing damage.
- Consistently check in with your hearing specialist: Discovering 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.
Understand the causes, safeguard your ears
Can noise-related hearing loss be cured? Sadly no. This kind of hearing loss and tinnitus can’t be cured, though it can be managed quite effectively. Strategies developed to keep your hearing safe will be more successful the better you understand the mechanisms behind hearing loss.
Although 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 tested and use hearing protection.