It may seem as though the roots of noise-induced hearing loss are functionally well-recognized. After all, the name itself conveys a fairly direct cause-and-effect relationship. Our basic understanding is that permanent hearing damage is caused by 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 established. But because of recent research, we’re developing a greater understanding of noise-induced hearing loss, including the role of zinc intake after being exposed to loud sounds. This research reveals that there’s a significant connection between zinc and hearing loss.
How is hearing impairment impacted by zinc?
Zinc is a mineral needed for executing necessary bodily functions and the majority of people have plenty 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. In most instances, a person’s diet supplies plenty of zinc.
The link between zinc and hearing loss might, at first sight, be difficult to recognize. The link between zinc and hearing isn’t, after all, immediately apparent. A new experiment has started to expose what’s going on, however.
Researchers exposed mice to loud sounds and carried out a few analyses afterward. 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. This will become more acute and more permanent as chronic noise exposure continues. In both mice and humans, the body isn’t capable of healing or repairing this damage.
After taking some blood samples from the mice, some fascinating results in terms of free-floating zinc were revealed.
Is hearing loss caused or helped by zinc?
Because of this research, scientists now better understand how noise-induced hearing loss symptoms occur. Usually, zinc in the body is molecularly bound. Researchers discovered zinc in free-floating form when the experiment’s mice were exposed to loud noise. It’s likely the same thing happens in humans.
The free-floating zinc triggers damage to delicate portions of the inner ear that are essential in order to hear clearly. This is the mechanism that scientists now believe leads to the kind of damage that causes noise-related hearing loss.
How to treat hearing loss
As scientists gain a better understanding of this, they may be able to formulate novel approaches to prevent hearing loss in individuals who are regularly exposed to loud noise. However, it may be some time before those advancements become a viable reality. But there are still other ways to safeguard your ears.
So, how can you safeguard yourself from noise-related hearing loss?
There are several approaches you can use to safeguard your ears:
- Limit your exposure to loud noises: This obviously includes noises like jet engines, concerts, or sporting events. But most individuals would also be surprised to discover that everyday noises like chatty offices, traffic, or lawnmowers can also result in hearing damage.
- 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 regular hearing test is the best way to do that.
- Use hearing protection: If there are noisy settings you want to be in, or merely can’t avoid, ear plugs and ear muffs can help decrease the damage. If you attend 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.
Safeguard your ears by understanding causes
Can you reverse noise-related hearing loss? Unfortunately not. Even though you can successfully treat this type of hearing loss and any related tinnitus, it can’t be cured. Strategies developed to keep your hearing safe will be more effective the better you understand the mechanisms behind hearing loss.
Although this research is encouraging, we still have a ways to go. But every bit helps. On an individual level, it’s important to take steps to safeguard your hearing and check in with your hearing specialist.
