It might seem as if the roots of noise-induced hearing loss are functionally well-established. A fairly obvious cause-and-effect connection is suggested by the name, after all. The common understanding is simply that loud sounds damage the hearing mechanisms in the ear, resulting in long-term and irreversible hearing loss.
And while that’s accurate, the mechanisms underpinning that cause have not always been so well established. But because of recent research, we’re gaining a deeper understanding of noise-induced hearing loss, and this includes the role of zinc intake after being exposed to loud sounds. This research indicates that there’s an important connection between zinc and hearing loss.
How is hearing impairment affected by zinc?
Zinc is a common mineral. The majority of people have an abundance of zinc in their bodies, carrying out distinct and essential functions. Zinc helps your brain translate chemical signals and is connected to immune system functions. In most cases, a person’s diet supplies plenty of zinc.
The link 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 started to expose what’s going on, however.
Researchers engaged in some analysis on mice that were exposed to loud noise. In mice, as with humans, the sensitive mechanisms of the ear become damaged when exposed to loud noise. In humans, this might first be encountered as a temporary muffling of sound. As a person is regularly exposed to loud sound, this damage will become more extreme and lasting. In both mice and humans, the body is not able to heal or repair 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?
Because of this research, scientists now have a better understanding of how noise-related hearing loss symptoms occur. Typically, zinc in the body is molecularly bound. During the experiment, researchers noticed that zinc became free-floating when the ears were subjected to loud noises and sound-induced stresses. It’s likely the same thing happens 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. This is the mechanism that scientists now think results in the kind of damage that causes noise-induced hearing loss.
How to manage hearing loss
As scientists gain a deeper understanding of this, they might be able to develop novel ways to prevent hearing loss in people who are frequently subjected to loud noise. Unfortunately, these advancements are likely still some ways off. But that doesn’t mean your ears are defenseless.
So, you might be asking: how can I prevent noise-induced hearing loss?
Here are a few steps you can take to protect your hearing:
- Consistently check in with your hearing specialist: Undergoing a hearing screening (and regularly checking in with us) can help detect damage early.
- Wear ear protection: If there are noisy settings you want to be in, or merely can’t stay away from, ear plugs and ear muffs can help lessen the damage. If you attend that concert, for instance, wear a set of ear plugs to ensure you can still hear, but that your ears don’t become permanently damaged as a result.
- Limit your exposure to loud noises: Sporting events, concerts, and jet engines come under this category. But most individuals would also be surprised to learn that everyday sounds like chatty workplaces, traffic, or lawnmowers can also result in hearing damage.
Protect your ears by understanding causes
Can noise-induced hearing loss be cured? Unfortunately not. Even though you can successfully treat this form of hearing loss and any associated tinnitus, it has no cure. Strategies created to keep your hearing safe will be more effective the better you understand the mechanisms behind hearing loss.
Even though this research is promising, we still have a ways to go. But we seem to be getting closer to understanding. On a personal level, it’s crucial to take steps to protect your hearing and check in with your hearing specialist.