It might seem as though the roots of noise-related hearing loss are functionally well-established. After all, the name itself suggests a fairly straightforward 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.
Though we’ve recognized this for some time now, we haven’t completely understood the underlying mechanisms behind it. But because of new research, we’re gaining a greater understanding of noise-induced hearing loss, including the role of zinc intake after being exposed to loud noises. Hearing loss and zinc regulation have a significant link according to this research.
What is zinc? And how does it impact hearing impairment?
Zinc is a mineral needed for executing necessary bodily functions and most individuals have an abundance of it. Healthy levels of zinc are associated with a well-functioning immune system and play a part in how well your brain translates chemical signals. With a few exceptions, most people receive enough zinc from their daily food intake.
The link between zinc and hearing loss may, at first sight, be difficult to identify. The connection between zinc and hearing isn’t, after all, instantly obvious. A new experiment has started to reveal what’s going on, however.
Researchers did some analysis on mice that were exposed to loud noise. When exposed to loud sounds, the same thing happens to mice as happens to humans: the fragile parts of the ear are damaged. In humans, this may first be encountered as a temporary muffling of sound. This will become more serious and more permanent as persistent noise exposure continues. In both mice and humans, the body is not able to heal or repair 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?
Because of this result, scientists now better understand how noise-related hearing loss symptoms happen. Typically, zinc in the body is molecularly bound. Researchers detected zinc in free-floating form when the experiment’s mice were subjected to loud noise. It’s likely the same thing happens in humans.
This zinc de-regulation ends up doing cellular damage to the inner ear, particularly to the parts of the inner ear responsible for clear hearing. This is the mechanism that scientists now think results in the type of damage that causes noise-related hearing loss.
How to treat hearing loss
As scientists gain a better understanding of this, they might be able to formulate novel ways to prevent hearing loss in individuals who are frequently subjected to loud noise. Unfortunately, these developments are likely still some ways off. But there are still other ways to safeguard your ears.
So, how can you protect yourself from noise-induced hearing loss?
There are several approaches you may employ to safeguard your ears:
- Regulate your exposure to loud noises: This clearly includes noises such as jet engines, concerts, or sporting events. But there are some more commonplace noises that can cause hearing loss that might be surprising, including things like a leaf blower, traffic, or individuals talking loudly in a bustling office.
- Use ear protection: If there are noisy settings you want to be in, or merely can’t stay away from, ear plugs and ear muffs can help decrease the damage. A set of earplugs can, for instance, allow you to go to that loud concert and still be capable of hearing the music but also provide some protection against irreversible hearing loss.
- Regularly check in with your hearing specialist: Getting a hearing test (and regularly checking in with us) can help detect damage early.
Protect your ears by understanding causes
Can noise-induced hearing loss be reversed? Regrettably not. Even though you can effectively manage this form of hearing loss and any associated tinnitus, it can’t be cured. Strategies created 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 checked and use hearing protection.