The underlying foundation of noise-induced hearing loss may seem well-understood. A fairly clear-cut cause-and-effect relationship is suggested by the name, after all. Our fundamental understanding is that irreversible hearing damage is a result of exposure to overly loud sound over a long period of time.
Though we’ve recognized this for some time now, we haven’t entirely 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 noises. Hearing loss and zinc regulation have a significant connection according to this research.
What is zinc? And how does it affect hearing loss?
Zinc is a mineral required for carrying out necessary bodily functions and most individuals have plenty of it. Zinc helps your brain interpret chemical signals and is linked to immune system functions. With a few exceptions, the vast majority of individuals get plenty of zinc from their daily food intake.
The link between zinc and hearing loss may, at first glance, be difficult to recognize. After all, it’s not immediately clear what role zinc plays in your hearing. A new experiment has started to reveal what’s going on, however.
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 encountered as a temporary muffling of sound. As a person is continually exposed to loud noise, this damage will become more serious and lasting. In both mice and humans, the body isn’t 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 discovered.
Does zinc help or cause hearing loss?
Because of this result, scientists now have a better understanding of how noise-induced hearing loss symptoms happen. Usually, zinc in the body is molecularly bound. Researchers detected zinc in free-floating form after the experiment’s mice were subjected to loud noise. It’s likely the same thing happens in humans.
This zinc de-regulation winds up causing cellular damage to the inner ear, specifically to the parts of the inner ear responsible for clear hearing. This is the mechanism that scientists now think leads to the type of damage that causes noise-induced hearing loss.
How to treat hearing loss
As scientists gain a greater understanding of this, they might be able to formulate novel ways to prevent hearing loss in individuals who are regularly subjected to loud noise. Regrettably, these developments are likely still some ways off. But there are still other ways to protect your ears.
So, how can you protect yourself from noise-induced hearing loss?
Here are a few measures you can take to safeguard your hearing:
- Consistently 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 routine hearing test is the best way to do that.
- Limit your exposure to loud sounds: Sporting events, concerts, and jet engines fall into this category. But there are some more commonplace noises that can cause hearing loss that may be surprising, and that includes things like a leaf blower, traffic, or individuals talking loudly in a busy office.
- Use ear protection: Ear muffs and ear plugs can help your ears manage loud settings that you can’t, or don’t want to avoid. If you go to that concert, for instance, use a pair of ear plugs to ensure you can still hear, but that your ears don’t become permanently damaged as a result.
Understand the causes, protect your ears
Can noise-induced hearing loss be reversed? Unfortunately not. Even though you can effectively manage this type of hearing loss and any related tinnitus, it can’t be cured. 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 tailored to keep your hearing safe.
Even though this research is encouraging, we still have a ways to go. But every bit helps. On an individual level, it’s essential to take steps to safeguard your hearing and check in with your hearing specialist.