The underlying basis of noise-related hearing loss might seem well-founded. After all, the name itself indicates a fairly straightforward cause-and-effect relationship. The universal understanding is simply that loud noises damage the hearing mechanisms in the ear, resulting in long-term and irreversible hearing loss.
And while that’s true, the mechanisms behind that cause haven’t always been so well understood. That’s improving, thanks to new research into the role of zinc regulation after exposure to loud noises. Hearing loss and zinc management have a significant connection according to this research.
How is hearing loss affected by zinc?
Zinc is a mineral needed for executing necessary bodily functions and most people have plenty of it. Healthy amounts of zinc are associated with a well-functioning immune system and play a role in how well your brain interprets chemical signals. In most cases, a person’s diet supplies enough zinc.
The connection between zinc and hearing loss might, at first glance, be difficult to recognize. The link between zinc and hearing isn’t, after all, instantly obvious. A new experiment has begun to reveal what’s going on, however.
Researchers exposed mice to loud noises and performed a few analyses afterward. When exposed to loud sounds, the same thing happens to mice as happens to humans: the delicate parts of the ear become damaged. For humans, sound will initially become temporarily muffled. As an individual is continually exposed to loud noise, this damage will become more serious and lasting. This damage can’t be cured in either humans or mice.
Researchers also took blood samples from the mice and noticed some fascinating results in terms of free-floating zinc.
Is hearing loss caused or helped by zinc?
Because of this result, scientists now have a better understanding of how noise-induced hearing loss symptoms happen. Typically, zinc in the body is molecularly bound. Researchers discovered zinc in free-floating form after the experiment’s mice were exposed to loud noise. It’s likely the same thing happens in humans.
The free-floating zinc causes damage to delicate parts 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 due to noise exposure.
Treating hearing loss
As scientists reach a deeper understanding of this, they might be able to develop novel ways to prevent hearing loss in people who are frequently exposed to loud noise. However, it might be some time before those developments become a viable reality. But that doesn’t mean your ears can’t be protected.
So, how can you safeguard yourself from noise-induced hearing loss?
Here are several steps you can take to safeguard your hearing:
- Regulate your exposure to loud noises: This obviously includes noises such as jet engines, concerts, or sporting events. But there are some more commonplace noises that can cause hearing loss that might be surprising, including things like a leaf blower, traffic, or individuals speaking loudly in a bustling office.
- Consistently check in with your hearing specialist: Getting a hearing screening (and routinely checking in with us) can help identify damage early.
- Wear hearing protection: Ear muffs and ear plugs can help your ears manage noisy environments that you can’t, or don’t want to avoid. A set of earplugs can, for instance, allow you to go to that loud concert and still be able to hear the music but also offer some protection against irreversible hearing loss.
Protect your ears by understanding causes
Can you reverse noise-related 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 undertaking. But every bit helps. Your immediate role is to get your hearing evaluated and use hearing protection.
