The underlying basis of noise-related hearing loss might seem well-founded. After all, the name itself suggests a fairly direct cause-and-effect relationship. The common understanding is simply that loud noises damage the hearing mechanisms in the ear, resulting in 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. But because of new research, we’re developing a deeper 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.
What is zinc? And how does it affect hearing loss?
Zinc is a common mineral. The majority of individuals have plenty of zinc in their bodies, carrying out specific and necessary functions. Healthy amounts of zinc are connected with a well-functioning immune system and play a part in how well your brain translates chemical signals. In most cases, a person’s diet provides enough zinc.
The link between zinc and hearing loss might, at first sight, be difficult to recognize. The relationship between zinc and hearing isn’t, after all, instantly apparent. A new experiment has begun to reveal what’s going on, however.
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 fragile parts of the ear become damaged. For humans, sound will initially become impermanently muffled. This will become more serious and more permanent as chronic noise exposure continues. This damage can’t be healed in either humans or mice.
After taking some blood samples from the mice, some fascinating results in terms of free-floating zinc were revealed.
Does zinc help or cause hearing loss?
Because of this research, scientists now better understand how noise-related 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 subjected to loud noise. It’s likely the same thing happens in humans.
The free-floating zinc causes damage to sensitive portions of the inner ear that are crucial in order to hear clearly. Scientists are now thinking that this is one of the mechanisms that produces hearing damage related to noise exposure.
How to manage hearing loss
In the future, this sort of understanding may help scientists stop noise-induced hearing loss from ever occurring, even in those individuals who are often 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?
Here are several measures you can take to protect your hearing:
- Use hearing protection: If there are noisy environments you want to be in, or merely can’t stay away from, ear plugs and ear muffs can help decrease the damage. If you attend that concert, for example, use a set 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: This clearly includes noises such as jet engines, concerts, or sporting events. But many individuals would also be surprised to learn that everyday sounds like chatty workplaces, traffic, or leaf blowers can also cause hearing damage.
- Regularly check in with your hearing specialist: Discovering damage as early as possible can help reduce long-term damage, and coming in to see us for a routine hearing test is the best way to do that.
Protect your ears by understanding causes
Can you cure noise-induced hearing loss? Sadly no. This type of hearing loss and tinnitus cannot be cured, though it can be managed very effectively. Strategies developed to keep your hearing safe will be more successful the better you understand the mechanisms behind hearing loss.
This research is likely just the first step in a longer process. But we appear 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.
