It may seem as though the roots of noise-induced hearing loss are functionally well-recognized. After all, the name itself indicates a fairly straightforward cause-and-effect relationship. Our basic understanding is that permanent hearing damage is a result of exposure to overly loud sound over a long period of time.
Though we’ve known this for some time now, we haven’t completely understood the underlying mechanisms behind it. But because of recent research, we’re developing a greater 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 an important link according to this research.
What is zinc? And how does it affect hearing loss?
Zinc is a common mineral. The majority of people have plenty of zinc in their bodies, carrying out distinct and necessary functions. Healthy amounts of zinc are associated with a well-functioning immune system and play a role in how well your brain interprets chemical signals. In most instances, a person’s diet provides enough zinc.
At first glance, it might be difficult to see the connection between hearing loss and zinc. The relationship between zinc and hearing isn’t, after all, immediately apparent. However, a unique experiment has shed some light on what’s happening.
Researchers exposed mice to loud sounds and performed a few analyses afterward. When exposed to loud noises, the same thing happens to mice as happens to humans: the sensitive parts of the ear become damaged. For humans, sound will initially become temporarily muffled. As a person is regularly exposed to loud noise, this damage will become more severe and lasting. This damage can’t be cured in either humans or mice.
After taking some blood samples from the mice, some intriguing results in terms of free-floating zinc were revealed.
Does zinc help or cause hearing loss?
Scientists now have a greater understanding of how the symptoms of noise-induced hearing loss occur because of these results. 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 occurs in humans.
This zinc de-regulation winds up doing cellular damage to the inner ear, particularly 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 due to noise exposure.
Managing hearing loss
As scientists gain a deeper understanding of this, they might be able to formulate novel methods to prevent hearing loss in individuals who are frequently exposed to loud noise. Regrettably, these developments are likely still some ways off. But there are still other ways to protect your ears.
So, you might be asking: how can I prevent noise-related hearing loss?
There are several approaches you may utilize to protect your ears:
- Routinely check in with your hearing specialist: Getting a hearing test (and routinely checking in with us) can help identify damage early.
- Regulate your exposure to loud sounds: Sporting events, concerts, and jet engines come under this category. But there are some more commonplace noises that can cause hearing loss that may be surprising, including things like a leaf blower, traffic, or individuals speaking loudly in a bustling office.
- Use hearing protection: If there are loud settings you want to be in, or merely can’t avoid, ear plugs and ear muffs can help minimize the damage. If you attend that concert, for instance, use a set of ear plugs to ensure you can still hear, but that your ears don’t become permanently damaged as a result.
Understand the causes, safeguard your ears
Can you reverse noise-induced hearing loss? Sadly no. This kind of hearing loss and tinnitus cannot be cured, though it can be managed quite effectively. Strategies created to keep your hearing safe will be more effective the better you understand the mechanisms behind hearing loss.
Although this research is encouraging, we still have a ways to go. But every bit helps. On a personal level, it’s essential to take measures to protect your hearing and check in with your hearing specialist.
