The underlying basis of noise-related hearing loss may seem well-understood. A fairly clear-cut cause-and-effect connection is suggested by the name, after all. Our basic understanding is that irreversible hearing damage is caused by 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 recent research, we’re developing a greater understanding of noise-related hearing loss, including the role of zinc intake after being exposed to loud sounds. Hearing loss and zinc regulation have a significant connection according to this research.
How is hearing loss impacted by zinc?
Zinc is a mineral needed for executing necessary bodily functions and the majority of individuals have an abundance of it. Healthy amounts of zinc are connected with a well-functioning immune system and play a part in how well your brain interprets chemical signals. With a few exceptions, the vast majority of people get plenty of zinc from their daily food intake.
The connection between zinc and hearing loss might, at first glance, be difficult to identify. After all, it isn’t instantly clear what role zinc plays in your hearing. However, a novel experiment has shed some light on what’s going on.
Researchers did some analysis on mice that were exposed to loud sound. In mice, as with humans, the fragile mechanisms of the ear become damaged when exposed to loud noise. In humans, this might first be experienced as a temporary muffling of sound. As a person is continually exposed to loud sound, this damage will become more extreme and lasting. In both mice and humans, the body is not capable of healing or repairing this damage.
After taking some blood samples from the mice, some intriguing results in terms of free-floating zinc were discovered.
Does zinc help or cause hearing loss?
Because of this research, scientists now better understand how noise-induced 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 exposed to loud noises and sound-related stresses. It’s likely the same thing occurs in humans.
This zinc de-regulation winds up causing cellular damage to the inner ear, especially to the parts of the inner ear in control of clear hearing. This is the mechanism that scientists now believe leads to the type of damage that causes noise-related hearing loss.
Managing hearing loss
In the future, this kind of understanding may help scientists stop noise-related hearing loss from ever occurring, even in those people who are frequently subjected to loud noises. Regrettably, these developments are likely still some ways off. But there are still other ways to safeguard your ears.
So, how can you safeguard yourself from noise-induced hearing loss?
There are several strategies you can utilize to safeguard your ears:
- Limit your exposure to loud noises: Sporting events, concerts, and jet engines fall into this category. But many people would also be surprised to discover that everyday sounds like chatty workplaces, traffic, or leaf blowers can also lead to hearing damage.
- Routinely check in with your hearing specialist: Undergoing a hearing test (and regularly checking in with us) can help identify damage early.
- Use hearing 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 set of earplugs can, for instance, allow you to go to that loud concert and still be able to hear the music but also provide some protection against irreversible hearing loss.
Understand the causes, safeguard your ears
Can noise-related hearing loss be cured? Sadly no. This type of hearing loss and tinnitus can’t be cured, though it can be managed very successfully. Better understanding the causes of hearing loss and the mechanisms by which hearing loss works can help hearing specialists (and you) formulate better strategies and treatments tailored to keep your hearing safe.
Even though this research is promising, we still have a ways to go. But we seem to be getting closer to understanding. Your direct role is to get your hearing evaluated and use ear protection.
