The underlying foundation of noise-induced hearing loss might seem well-understood. A fairly obvious cause-and-effect connection is indicated by the name, after all. The universal understanding is simply that loud sounds damage the hearing mechanisms in the ear, leading to long-term and irreversible hearing loss.
And while that’s true, the mechanisms underpinning that cause have not always been so well established. That’s changing, thanks to emerging research into the role of zinc regulation after exposure to loud sounds. Hearing loss and zinc management have an important connection according to this research.
How is hearing loss affected by zinc?
Zinc is a mineral required for carrying out necessary bodily functions and the majority of people have an abundance 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. With a few exceptions, most people get enough zinc from their food every day.
The link between zinc and hearing loss may, at first sight, 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 going on.
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 may first be experienced as a temporary muffling of sound. As an individual is continually exposed to loud sound, this damage will become more severe and lasting. 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 fascinating results in terms of free-floating zinc.
Is hearing loss caused or helped by zinc?
Scientists now have a greater understanding of how the symptoms of noise-induced hearing loss occur because of these results. Typically, 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 occurs in humans.
The free-floating zinc triggers damage to delicate portions of the inner ear that are essential in order to hear clearly. Scientists are now thinking that this is one of the mechanisms that produces hearing damage due to noise exposure.
Managing hearing loss
As scientists gain a better understanding of this, they may be able to formulate novel methods to prevent hearing loss in individuals who are regularly subjected to loud noise. Unfortunately, these developments are likely still some ways off. But that doesn’t mean your ears can’t be protected.
So, you might be wondering: how can I prevent noise-induced hearing loss?
Here are a few steps you can take to safeguard your hearing:
- Limit your exposure to loud sounds: Sporting events, concerts, and jet engines belong to this category. 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 speaking loudly in a bustling office.
- Use hearing protection: Ear muffs and ear plugs can help your ears manage noisy settings that you can’t, or don’t want to avoid. A set of earplugs can, for example, allow you to attend that loud concert and still be able to hear the music but also provide some protection against irreversible hearing loss.
- Consistently check in with your hearing specialist: Detecting damage as early as possible can help minimize long-term damage, and coming in to see us for a routine hearing test is the best way to do that.
Understand the causes, protect your ears
Can noise-related hearing loss be reversed? Sadly no. Although you can effectively manage this form of hearing loss and any related tinnitus, it has no cure. Strategies created to keep your hearing safe will be more effective the better you understand the mechanisms behind hearing loss.
This research is most likely just the first step in a longer undertaking. But we seem to be getting closer to understanding. Your immediate role is to get your hearing checked and use ear protection.
