The underlying basis of noise-related hearing loss may seem well-founded. After all, the name itself conveys a fairly straightforward cause-and-effect relationship. The universal understanding is simply that loud noises damage the hearing mechanisms in the ear, causing long-term and permanent hearing loss.
Though we’ve recognized this for some time now, we haven’t completely understood the inherent mechanisms behind it. That’s changing, thanks to emerging research into the role of zinc management after exposure to loud sounds. Hearing loss and zinc regulation have an important connection according to this research.
How is hearing loss affected by zinc?
Zinc is a common mineral. The majority of individuals 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 role in how well your brain translates chemical signals. With a few exceptions, most people receive enough zinc from their daily food intake.
At first glance, it may be challenging to see the relationship between hearing loss and zinc. After all, it isn’t instantly obvious what role zinc plays in your hearing. A new experiment has begun to reveal what’s going on, however.
Researchers did some analysis on mice that were exposed to loud noise. In mice, as with humans, the sensitive mechanisms of the ear become damaged when exposed to loud sound. In humans, this might first be experienced as a temporary muffling of sound. As a person is regularly exposed to loud noise, this damage will become more serious and lasting. This damage can’t be cured in either humans or mice.
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 better understand how noise-related hearing loss symptoms happen. Typically, zinc in the body is molecularly bound. During the experiment, researchers noticed that zinc became free-floating after the ears were exposed to loud noises and sound-induced stresses. Zinc most likely reacts the same way in humans.
The free-floating zinc causes damage to fragile parts of the inner ear that are crucial in order to hear clearly. Scientists are now thinking that this is one of the mechanisms that causes hearing damage due to noise exposure.
Managing hearing loss
Over time, this sort of understanding may help scientists prevent noise-induced hearing loss from ever occurring, even in those individuals who are frequently exposed to loud noises. Regrettably, these advancements are likely still some ways off. But that doesn’t mean your ears are defenseless.
So, how can you protect yourself from noise-related hearing loss?
There are several approaches you may employ to protect your ears:
- Regulate your exposure to loud sounds: Sporting events, concerts, and jet engines belong to this category. But most individuals would also be surprised to learn that everyday noises like chatty offices, traffic, or leaf blowers can also result in hearing damage.
- Use ear protection: Ear muffs and ear plugs can help your ears deal with loud settings that you can’t, or don’t want to stay away from. 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.
- Consistently check in with your hearing specialist: Getting a hearing test (and routinely checking in with us) can help detect damage early.
Understand the causes, safeguard your ears
Can you reverse noise-related hearing loss? Regrettably not. Although you can effectively treat this type 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.
Although this research is promising, we still have a ways to go. But every bit helps. On a personal level, it’s essential to take measures to safeguard your hearing and check in with your hearing specialist.