It might seem as if the causes of noise-induced hearing loss are functionally well-understood. After all, the name itself indicates a fairly straightforward cause-and-effect relationship. The universal understanding is simply that loud noises damage the hearing mechanisms in the ear, leading to long-term and irreversible hearing loss.
Though we’ve recognized this for some time now, we haven’t entirely understood the inherent mechanisms behind it. But because of new research, we’re gaining a deeper understanding of noise-related hearing loss, including the role of zinc intake after being exposed to loud noises. This research indicates that there’s an important connection between zinc and hearing loss.
How is hearing impairment impacted by zinc?
Zinc is a common mineral. Most people have plenty of zinc in their bodies, carrying out specific and essential functions. Healthy amounts of zinc are associated with a well-functioning immune system and play a part in how well your brain interprets chemical signals. In most cases, a person’s diet provides enough zinc.
The link between zinc and hearing loss might, at first glance, be difficult to identify. 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. 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. This will become more acute and more permanent as chronic noise exposure continues. In both mice and humans, the body is not capable of healing or repairing this damage.
Researchers also took blood samples from the mice and noticed some interesting results in terms of free-floating zinc.
Does zinc help or cause hearing loss?
Because of this result, scientists now better understand how noise-induced hearing loss symptoms occur. Usually, 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 happens in humans.
The free-floating zinc triggers damage to sensitive parts of the inner ear that are crucial in order to hear clearly. This is the mechanism that scientists now believe leads to the kind of damage that causes noise-induced hearing loss.
How to manage hearing loss
As scientists reach a better understanding of this, they might be able to formulate novel approaches to prevent hearing loss in individuals who are regularly 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 may be wondering: how can I prevent noise-induced hearing loss?
There are a number of approaches you can use to protect your ears:
- Limit your exposure to loud noises: Sporting events, concerts, and jet engines belong to this category. But most people would also be surprised to learn that everyday sounds like chatty workplaces, traffic, or lawnmowers can also lead to 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 regular hearing test is the best way to do that.
- Wear hearing protection: Ear muffs and ear plugs can help your ears deal with noisy settings that you can’t, or don’t want to stay away from. If you attend that concert, for example, use a pair of ear plugs to ensure you can still hear, but that your ears don’t become permanently damaged as a result.
Safeguard your ears by understanding causes
Can you cure noise-related hearing loss? Regrettably not. This kind of hearing loss and tinnitus cannot be cured, though it can be managed very successfully. Better understanding the causes of hearing loss and the mechanisms by which hearing loss functions can help hearing specialists (and you) develop better techniques and treatments designed to keep your hearing safe.
This research is likely just the first step in a longer process. But every bit helps. On a personal level, it’s crucial to take measures to safeguard your hearing and check in with your hearing specialist.
