The underlying foundation of noise-induced hearing loss may seem well-understood. A fairly obvious cause-and-effect connection is indicated by the name, after all. The universal understanding is simply that loud sounds damage the hearing mechanisms in the ear, resulting in long-term and irreversible hearing loss.
Though we’ve recognized this for some time now, we haven’t entirely understood the underlying mechanisms behind it. But because of recent research, we’re gaining a deeper understanding of noise-induced hearing loss, including the role of zinc intake after being exposed to loud noises. Hearing loss and zinc regulation have a significant link according to this research.
What is zinc? And how does it impact hearing loss?
Zinc is a common mineral. Most people have an abundance of zinc in their bodies, performing distinct and essential functions. Zinc helps your brain translate chemical signals and is connected to immune system functions. With a few exceptions, the vast majority of individuals get enough zinc from their food every day.
At first glance, it may be challenging to see the connection between hearing loss and zinc. The link between zinc and hearing isn’t, after all, immediately obvious. A new experiment has begun to expose what’s going on, however.
Researchers exposed mice to loud sounds and conducted a few analyses afterward. When exposed to loud noises, the same thing happens to mice as happens to humans: the fragile parts of the ear are damaged. In humans, this might first be encountered as a temporary muffling of sound. This will become more acute and more permanent as persistent noise exposure continues. In both mice and humans, the body is not capable of healing or repairing this damage.
Researchers also took blood samples from the mice and noticed some interesting results in terms of free-floating zinc.
Is hearing loss caused or helped by zinc?
Scientists now have a greater picture of how the symptoms of noise-induced hearing loss occur because of this research. Typically, zinc in the body is molecularly bound. Researchers detected zinc in free-floating form after the experiment’s mice were subjected to loud noise. It’s likely the same thing occurs in humans.
This zinc de-regulation ends up causing cellular damage to the inner ear, specifically to the parts of the inner ear responsible for clear hearing. Scientists are now thinking that this is one of the mechanisms that produces hearing damage due to noise exposure.
Treating hearing loss
As scientists gain a greater understanding of this, they might be able to formulate novel approaches to prevent hearing loss in people who are regularly exposed to loud noise. Unfortunately, these developments are likely still some ways off. But there are still other ways to safeguard your ears.
So, how can you protect yourself from noise-induced hearing loss?
There are a number of strategies you may use to safeguard your ears:
- Consistently check in with your hearing specialist: Undergoing a hearing test (and regularly checking in with us) can help identify damage early.
- Regulate your exposure to loud sounds: This obviously includes noises like 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 people talking loudly in a busy office.
- Use hearing protection: If there are noisy settings you want to be in, or simply can’t stay away from, ear plugs and ear muffs can help lessen the damage. 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 provide some protection against irreversible hearing loss.
Understand the causes, protect your ears
Can noise-related hearing loss be reversed? Regrettably not. This kind of hearing loss and tinnitus cannot be cured, though it can be managed very successfully. Strategies developed to keep your hearing safe will be more effective the better you understand the mechanisms behind hearing loss.
This research is probably just the first step in a longer undertaking. But every bit helps. On an individual level, it’s essential to take measures to protect your hearing and check in with your hearing specialist.