The underlying foundation of noise-induced hearing loss might seem well-founded. After all, the name itself indicates a fairly direct cause-and-effect relationship. Our fundamental understanding is that permanent hearing damage is a result of exposure to overly loud sound over a long period of time.
And while that’s true, the mechanisms behind that cause haven’t always been so well established. That’s improving, thanks to new research into the role of zinc management after exposure to loud sounds. Hearing loss and zinc regulation have a significant connection according to this research.
How is hearing loss impacted by zinc?
Zinc is a common mineral. Most individuals have an abundance of zinc in their bodies, carrying out specific and necessary functions. Healthy levels of zinc are associated with a well-functioning immune system and play a part in how well your brain interprets chemical signals. In most instances, a person’s diet provides plenty of zinc.
At first glance, it might be challenging to see the connection between hearing loss and zinc. After all, it isn’t immediately clear what role zinc plays in your hearing. A new experiment has begun to reveal what’s going on, however.
Researchers did some analysis on mice that were exposed to loud noise. In mice, as with humans, the fragile mechanisms of the ear become damaged when exposed to loud noise. In humans, this may first be experienced as a temporary muffling of sound. As an individual is continually exposed to loud noise, this damage will become more extreme and lasting. This damage can’t be cured in either humans or mice.
Researchers also took blood samples from the mice and observed some fascinating 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-related hearing loss happen because of these results. Usually, when zinc is in the body, it’s bound molecularly. Researchers detected zinc in free-floating form when the experiment’s mice were subjected to loud noise. Zinc most likely reacts the same way in humans.
The free-floating zinc causes damage to delicate portions of the inner ear that are essential in order to hear clearly. Scientists are now thinking that this is one of the mechanisms that produces hearing damage due to noise exposure.
Managing hearing loss
As scientists gain a greater understanding of this, they may be able to formulate novel approaches to prevent hearing loss in individuals who are frequently exposed to loud noise. However, it may be some time before those developments become a viable reality. But there are still other ways to protect your ears.
So, how can you protect yourself from noise-induced hearing loss?
Here are several steps you can take to protect your hearing:
- Use ear protection: Ear muffs and ear plugs can help your ears manage noisy settings that you can’t, or don’t want to stay away from. A pair of earplugs can, for example, allow you to go to that loud concert and still be capable of hearing the music but also offer some protection against permanent hearing loss.
- Limit your exposure to loud sounds: This clearly includes noises such as jet engines, concerts, or sporting events. But many people would also be surprised to discover that everyday sounds like chatty workplaces, traffic, or lawnmowers can also cause hearing damage.
- Consistently check in with your hearing specialist: Undergoing a hearing screening (and routinely checking in with us) can help identify damage early.
Understand the causes, protect your ears
Can you cure noise-related hearing loss? Unfortunately not. Though you can successfully treat this type of hearing loss and any associated tinnitus, it can’t be cured. Strategies created to keep your hearing safe will be more effective the better you understand the mechanisms behind hearing loss.
Although this research is promising, we still have a ways to go. But we seem to be getting closer to understanding. Your immediate role is to get your hearing examined and use ear protection.
