The underlying foundation of noise-induced hearing loss may seem well-founded. After all, the name itself conveys a fairly direct cause-and-effect relationship. The universal understanding is simply that loud noises damage the hearing mechanisms in the ear, resulting in long-term and permanent hearing loss.
And while that’s true, the mechanisms behind that cause haven’t always been so well established. That’s changing, thanks to emerging research into the role of zinc management after exposure to loud noises. Hearing loss and zinc regulation have an important link according to this research.
What is zinc? And how does it impact hearing impairment?
Zinc is a mineral required for executing necessary bodily functions and the majority of individuals have an abundance of it. Zinc helps your brain translate chemical signals and is linked to immune system functions. With a few exceptions, most individuals receive enough zinc from their food every day.
At first glance, it might be difficult to see the connection between hearing loss and zinc. 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 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 sound. In humans, this may first be experienced as a temporary muffling of sound. This will become more acute and more permanent as chronic noise exposure continues. This damage can’t be cured 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?
Scientists now have a better understanding of how the symptoms of noise-induced hearing loss occur because of these results. Usually, zinc in the body is molecularly bound. During the experiment, researchers observed that zinc became free-floating when the ears were exposed to loud noises and sound-induced stresses. Zinc most likely responds the same way 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 causes hearing damage related to noise exposure.
How to treat hearing loss
As scientists reach a deeper understanding of this, they may be able to formulate novel ways to prevent hearing loss in individuals who are regularly exposed to loud noise. Unfortunately, these advancements are likely still some ways off. But that doesn’t mean your ears can’t be protected.
So, how can you protect yourself from noise-related hearing loss?
There are a number of approaches you can utilize to protect your ears:
- Use ear protection: Ear muffs and ear plugs can help your ears manage noisy environments that you can’t, or don’t want to avoid. If you attend that concert, for example, wear a set of ear plugs to ensure you can still hear, but that your ears don’t become permanently damaged as a consequence.
- Limit your exposure to loud sounds: Sporting events, concerts, and jet engines belong to this category. But most people would also be surprised to learn that everyday noises like chatty workplaces, traffic, or lawnmowers can also cause hearing damage.
- Consistently check in with your hearing specialist: Getting a hearing test (and routinely checking in with us) can help identify damage early.
Protect your ears by understanding causes
Can noise-induced hearing loss be cured? Sadly no. Though you can successfully treat this type of hearing loss and any related tinnitus, it has no cure. Strategies developed 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 every bit helps. On an individual level, it’s crucial to take steps to safeguard your hearing and check in with your hearing specialist.
