It might seem as though the causes of noise-induced hearing loss are functionally well-recognized. After all, the name itself conveys a fairly direct cause-and-effect relationship. 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 recent research, we’re developing a greater understanding of noise-induced hearing loss, including the role of zinc intake after being exposed to loud sounds. Hearing loss and zinc management have a significant connection according to this research.
How is hearing loss affected by zinc?
Zinc is a commonplace mineral. Most people have an abundance of zinc in their bodies, performing specific and necessary functions. Zinc helps your brain translate chemical signals and is linked to immune system functions. In most cases, a person’s diet supplies plenty of zinc.
At first glance, it may be challenging to determine the association between hearing loss and zinc. The link between zinc and hearing isn’t, after all, immediately obvious. A new experiment has begun to reveal what’s going on, however.
Researchers engaged in some analysis on mice that were exposed to loud sound. In mice, as with humans, the fragile mechanisms of the ear become damaged when exposed to loud sound. For humans, sound will initially become temporarily muffled. This will become more acute and more permanent as chronic noise exposure continues. This damage can’t be healed in either humans or mice.
Researchers also took blood samples from the mice and noticed some interesting results in terms of free-floating zinc.
Does zinc help or cause hearing loss?
Because of this result, 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 after the ears were exposed to loud noises and sound-related stresses. It’s likely the same thing occurs in humans.
The free-floating zinc causes damage to fragile parts of the inner ear that are crucial in order to hear clearly. This is the mechanism that scientists now think results in the type of damage that causes noise-induced hearing loss.
How to manage hearing loss
Over time, this kind of understanding may help scientists stop noise-related hearing loss from ever occurring, even in those individuals who are frequently subjected to loud noises. Regrettably, these advancements are likely still some ways off. But there are still other ways to protect your ears.
So, you might be wondering: how can I prevent noise-related hearing loss?
There are several strategies you may utilize to protect your ears:
- Regularly check in with your hearing specialist: Discovering damage as early as possible can help minimize long-term damage, and coming in to see us for a routine hearing test is the best way to do that.
- Use hearing protection: Ear muffs and ear plugs can help your ears cope with 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 provide some protection against irreversible hearing loss.
- Regulate your exposure to loud sounds: Sporting events, concerts, and jet engines belong to this category. But there are some more commonplace noises that can cause hearing loss that might be surprising, and that includes things like a leaf blower, traffic, or individuals speaking loudly in a busy office.
Understand the causes, protect your ears
Can you cure noise-related hearing loss? Sadly no. Although you can effectively manage 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 encouraging, we still have a ways to go. But we appear to be getting closer to understanding. Your direct role is to get your hearing tested and use hearing protection.