The underlying basis of noise-induced hearing loss may seem well-understood. A fairly obvious cause-and-effect relationship is indicated by the name, after all. Our basic understanding is that permanent hearing damage is caused by exposure to overly loud sound over a long period of time.
Though we’ve known this for some time now, we haven’t perfectly understood the underlying mechanisms behind it. But because of new research, we’re gaining a greater understanding of noise-related hearing loss, including the role of zinc intake after being exposed to loud noises. This research reveals that there’s an important link between zinc and hearing loss.
What is zinc? And how does it affect hearing impairment?
Zinc is a mineral needed for executing necessary bodily functions and the majority of individuals have plenty of it. Healthy amounts of zinc are linked to a well-functioning immune system and play a role in how well your brain interprets chemical signals. In most instances, a person’s diet supplies enough zinc.
The link between zinc and hearing loss might, at first sight, be difficult to identify. After all, it isn’t immediately obvious what role zinc plays in your hearing. A new experiment has started to expose what’s going on, however.
Researchers exposed mice to loud sounds and conducted a few analyses afterward. When exposed to loud noises, the same thing happens to mice as happens to humans: the fragile parts of the ear become damaged. For humans, sound will initially become impermanently muffled. This will become more acute 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?
Scientists now have a better understanding of how the symptoms of noise-related hearing loss happen because of these results. Usually, zinc in the body is molecularly bound. During the experiment, researchers noticed that zinc became free-floating when 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. This is the mechanism that scientists now believe results in the type of damage that causes noise-induced hearing loss.
How to manage hearing loss
As scientists reach a better understanding of this, they may be able to develop novel approaches to prevent hearing loss in people who are regularly exposed to loud noise. However, it might be some time before those developments become a viable reality. But there are still other ways to safeguard your ears.
So, you may be asking: how can I prevent noise-induced hearing loss?
Here are several steps you can take to protect your hearing:
- 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.
- Use hearing protection: If there are loud environments you want to be in, or simply can’t avoid, ear plugs and ear muffs can help lessen the damage. A pair of earplugs can, for instance, allow you to attend that loud concert and still be capable of hearing the music but also provide some protection against permanent hearing loss.
- Regulate your exposure to loud sounds: This clearly includes noises like 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 people speaking loudly in a bustling office.
Understand the causes, safeguard your ears
Can you cure noise-related hearing loss? Regrettably not. Though you can effectively treat this form of hearing loss and any related tinnitus, it has no cure. Better understanding the causes of hearing loss and the mechanisms by which hearing loss functions can help hearing specialists (and you) develop better strategies and treatments designed to keep your hearing safe.
This research is most likely just the first step in a longer undertaking. But every bit helps. On a personal level, it’s crucial to take steps to protect your hearing and check in with your hearing specialist.