The underlying foundation of noise-induced hearing loss may seem well-understood. A fairly clear-cut cause-and-effect relationship is suggested by the name, after all. Our basic understanding is that irreversible hearing damage is caused by exposure to overly loud noise over a long period of time.
Though we’ve recognized this for some time now, we haven’t completely understood the underlying mechanisms behind it. But because of new research, we’re gaining a greater understanding of noise-related hearing loss, and this includes the role of zinc intake after being exposed to loud sounds. This research suggests that there’s an important connection between zinc and hearing loss.
How is hearing loss affected by zinc?
Zinc is a mineral needed for carrying out necessary bodily functions and most people have an abundance of it. Zinc helps your brain translate chemical signals and is linked to immune system functions. With a few exceptions, most people get enough zinc from their daily food intake.
The link between zinc and hearing loss might, at first sight, be difficult to identify. After all, it’s not instantly clear what role zinc plays in your hearing. However, a novel experiment has shed some light on what’s going on.
Researchers engaged in 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 sound. In humans, this may first be experienced as a temporary muffling of sound. This will become more serious 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 observed some fascinating results in terms of free-floating zinc.
Does zinc help or cause hearing loss?
Because of this result, scientists now better understand how noise-induced hearing loss symptoms occur. Normally, when zinc is in the body, it’s bound molecularly. Researchers detected zinc in free-floating form when the experiment’s mice were exposed to loud noise. Zinc most likely responds the same way 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 believe leads to the type of damage that causes noise-induced hearing loss.
Treating hearing loss
In the future, this type of understanding might help scientists stop noise-related hearing loss from ever occurring, even in those people who are often exposed to loud noises. Unfortunately, these developments are likely still some ways off. But there are still other ways to protect your ears.
So, you may be wondering: how can I prevent noise-induced hearing loss?
There are a number of strategies you can employ to protect your ears:
- Limit your exposure to loud noises: This obviously includes noises such as jet engines, concerts, or sporting events. But many individuals would also be surprised to discover that everyday sounds like chatty offices, traffic, or lawnmowers can also cause hearing damage.
- Consistently check in with your hearing specialist: Undergoing a hearing screening (and regularly checking in with us) can help identify damage early.
- Use hearing protection: If there are loud settings you want to be in, or merely can’t stay away from, ear plugs and ear muffs can help decrease the damage. A pair of earplugs can, for instance, allow you to attend that loud concert and still be able to hear the music but also offer some protection against irreversible hearing loss.
Understand the causes, protect your ears
Can noise-related hearing loss be reversed? Sadly no. Although you can effectively treat this form of hearing loss and any related tinnitus, it has no cure. Better understanding the causes of hearing loss and the mechanisms by which hearing loss works can help hearing specialists (and you) develop better techniques and treatments designed to keep your hearing safe.
Although this research is encouraging, we still have a ways to go. But every bit helps. On an individual level, it’s important to take measures to protect your hearing and check in with your hearing specialist.