It might seem as though the causes of noise-related hearing loss are functionally well-established. A fairly obvious cause-and-effect relationship is indicated by the name, after all. The universal understanding is simply that loud sounds damage the hearing mechanisms in the ear, leading to long-term and permanent hearing loss.
And while that’s accurate, the mechanisms underpinning that cause have not always been so well established. But because of new 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 noises. This research indicates that there’s an important connection between zinc and hearing loss.
What is zinc? And how does it impact hearing impairment?
Zinc is a mineral required for carrying out necessary bodily functions and most people have an abundance of it. Healthy amounts of zinc are connected 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 get plenty of zinc from their food every day.
The connection between zinc and hearing loss may, at first sight, be difficult to identify. After all, it’s not immediately clear what role zinc plays in your hearing. A new experiment has begun 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 sensitive mechanisms of the ear become damaged when exposed to loud sound. In humans, this might first be encountered as a temporary muffling of sound. As an individual is continually exposed to loud sound, 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 noticed some interesting results in terms of free-floating zinc.
Does zinc help or cause hearing loss?
Scientists now have a greater understanding of how the symptoms of noise-induced hearing loss occur because of this research. 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-induced stresses. It’s likely the same thing occurs in humans.
The free-floating zinc triggers damage to fragile 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 causes hearing damage related to noise exposure.
Managing hearing loss
In the future, this kind of understanding could help scientists stop noise-related hearing loss from ever occurring, even in those people who are frequently subjected to loud noises. However, it may be some time before those developments 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 strategies you can utilize to protect your ears:
- Use ear protection: Ear muffs and ear plugs can help your ears deal with noisy settings that you can’t, or don’t want to stay away from. If you go to that concert, for instance, wear a set of ear plugs to ensure you can still hear, but that your ears don’t become irreversibly damaged as a consequence.
- Regulate your exposure to loud sounds: Sporting events, concerts, and jet engines fall into this category. But there are some more commonplace noises that can cause hearing loss that might be surprising, and that includes things like a leaf blower, traffic, or people speaking loudly in a bustling office.
- Consistently check in with your hearing specialist: Getting a hearing test (and routinely checking in with us) can help identify damage early.
Understand the causes, protect your ears
Can you cure noise-induced hearing loss? Unfortunately not. Even though you can successfully manage this form of hearing loss and any associated tinnitus, it can’t be cured. Better understanding the causes of hearing loss and the mechanisms by which hearing loss works can help hearing specialists (and you) formulate better strategies and treatments designed to keep your hearing safe.
Even though this research is encouraging, we still have a ways to go. But every bit helps. Your immediate role is to get your hearing examined and use ear protection.
