The underlying basis of noise-related hearing loss might seem well-understood. A fairly clear-cut cause-and-effect relationship is suggested by the name, after all. Our fundamental understanding is that permanent hearing damage is a result of exposure to overly loud noise over a long period of time.
And while that’s true, the mechanisms underpinning that cause have not always been so well understood. That’s improving, thanks to emerging research into the role of zinc management after exposure to loud noises. Hearing loss and zinc management have an important link according to this research.
How is hearing loss affected by zinc?
Zinc is a mineral needed for carrying out necessary bodily functions and most individuals have plenty of it. Healthy levels of zinc are associated with a well-functioning immune system and play a role in how well your brain interprets chemical signals. With a few exceptions, the vast majority of individuals get plenty of zinc from their food every day.
The link between zinc and hearing loss might, at first glance, be difficult to recognize. After all, it’s not immediately obvious what role zinc plays in your hearing. However, a novel experiment has shed some light on what’s happening.
Researchers engaged in some analysis on mice that were exposed to loud sound. In mice, as with humans, the fragile mechanisms of the ear become damaged when exposed to loud noise. For humans, sound will initially become impermanently muffled. As an individual is continually exposed to loud sound, this damage will become more severe and lasting. This damage can’t be cured in either humans or mice.
Researchers also took blood samples from the mice and observed some fascinating 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-related hearing loss symptoms occur. Typically, zinc in the body is molecularly bound. During the experiment, researchers noticed that zinc became free-floating when the ears were subjected to loud noises and sound-related stresses. It’s likely the same thing occurs in humans.
The free-floating zinc triggers damage to fragile parts 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.
How to manage hearing loss
As scientists gain a greater understanding of this, they may be able to formulate novel methods to prevent hearing loss in people who are regularly exposed to loud noise. Regrettably, these advancements are likely still some ways off. But there are still other ways to protect your ears.
So, how can you safeguard yourself from noise-induced hearing loss?
There are several approaches you can utilize to protect your ears:
- Wear ear 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. If you attend that concert, for example, use a pair of ear plugs to ensure you can still hear, but that your ears don’t become irreversibly damaged as a result.
- Regulate your exposure to loud noises: Sporting events, concerts, and jet engines belong to this category. But there are some more commonplace noises that can cause hearing loss that may be surprising, including things like a leaf blower, traffic, or individuals talking loudly in a busy office.
- Regularly 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.
Safeguard your ears by understanding causes
Can you reverse noise-induced hearing loss? Sadly no. This kind of hearing loss and tinnitus cannot be cured, though it can be managed quite effectively. Strategies developed to keep your hearing safe will be more effective the better you understand the mechanisms behind hearing loss.
Although this research is promising, we still have a ways to go. But we seem to be getting closer to understanding. On a personal level, it’s crucial to take steps to safeguard your hearing and check in with your hearing specialist.