It might seem as though the roots of noise-induced hearing loss are functionally well-recognized. After all, the name itself indicates a fairly straightforward cause-and-effect relationship. Our basic understanding is that irreversible hearing damage is caused by exposure to overly loud noise 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 recent research, we’re gaining a deeper understanding of noise-related hearing loss, and this includes the role of zinc intake after being exposed to loud sounds. Hearing loss and zinc management have an important link according to this research.
What is zinc? And how does it impact hearing loss?
Zinc is a mineral needed for carrying out necessary bodily functions and the majority of people have plenty of it. Healthy amounts of zinc are associated with a well-functioning immune system and play a part in how well your brain translates chemical signals. With a few exceptions, the vast majority of individuals receive plenty of zinc from their daily food intake.
The connection between zinc and hearing loss may, at first glance, be difficult to identify. The link between zinc and hearing isn’t, after all, instantly apparent. However, a novel experiment has shed some light on what’s going on.
Researchers performed some analysis on mice that were exposed to loud sound. When exposed to loud sounds, the same thing happens to mice as happens to humans: the delicate parts of the ear become damaged. In humans, this might first be experienced as a temporary muffling of sound. As an individual is continually exposed to loud noise, this damage will become more serious and lasting. This damage can’t be healed in either humans or mice.
Researchers also took blood samples from the mice and observed some interesting results in terms of free-floating zinc.
Is hearing loss caused or helped by zinc?
Because of this research, scientists now better understand how noise-induced hearing loss symptoms happen. Usually, zinc in the body is molecularly bound. During the experiment, researchers noticed that zinc became free-floating after the ears were subjected to loud noises and sound-related stresses. Zinc most likely responds the same way in humans.
The free-floating zinc triggers damage to sensitive portions of the inner ear that are crucial in order to hear clearly. This is the mechanism that scientists now think results in the type of damage that causes noise-related hearing loss.
How to treat hearing loss
In the future, this kind of understanding may help scientists prevent noise-induced hearing loss from ever happening, even in those people who are frequently exposed to loud noises. However, it may be some time before those advancements become a viable reality. But that doesn’t mean your ears are defenseless.
So, how can you safeguard yourself from noise-related hearing loss?
Here are a few steps you can take to safeguard your hearing:
- Regulate your exposure to loud noises: Sporting events, concerts, and jet engines come under this category. But many people would also be surprised to discover that everyday noises like chatty offices, traffic, or lawnmowers can also result in hearing damage.
- Routinely check in with your hearing specialist: Discovering damage as early as possible can help minimize long-term damage, and coming in to see us for a regular hearing test is the best way to do that.
- Wear ear protection: Ear muffs and ear plugs can help your ears cope with loud environments that you can’t, or don’t want to avoid. A pair of earplugs can, for example, allow you to go to that loud concert and still be able to hear the music but also offer some protection against permanent hearing loss.
Understand the causes, protect your ears
Can noise-induced hearing loss be reversed? Regrettably not. This form of hearing loss and tinnitus can’t be cured, though it can be managed very effectively. 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 probably just the first step in a longer process. But we appear to be getting closer to understanding. Your direct role is to get your hearing evaluated and use ear protection.