The underlying foundation of noise-related hearing loss might seem well-founded. A fairly obvious cause-and-effect relationship 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.
Though we’ve known this for some time now, we haven’t perfectly understood the underlying mechanisms behind it. That’s changing, thanks to emerging research into the role of zinc regulation after exposure to loud noises. This research reveals that there’s a significant connection between zinc and hearing loss.
What is zinc? And how does it affect hearing impairment?
Zinc is a mineral required for executing necessary bodily functions and the majority of individuals have plenty of it. Healthy levels of zinc are associated with a well-functioning immune system and play a part in how well your brain translates chemical signals. In most instances, a person’s diet supplies plenty of zinc.
The connection between zinc and hearing loss might, at first glance, be difficult to recognize. The link between zinc and hearing isn’t, after all, immediately obvious. However, a novel experiment has shed some light on what’s happening.
Researchers did some analysis on mice that were exposed to loud sound. When exposed to loud sounds, the same thing happens to mice as happens to humans: the fragile parts of the ear are damaged. For humans, sound will initially become temporarily muffled. As an individual is continually exposed to loud sound, this damage will become more extreme and lasting. In both mice and humans, the body isn’t 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 research, scientists now have a better understanding of how noise-induced hearing loss symptoms happen. Usually, zinc in the body is molecularly bound. Researchers discovered zinc in free-floating form after the experiment’s mice were subjected to loud noise. It’s likely the same thing occurs in humans.
The free-floating zinc triggers damage to sensitive parts of the inner ear that are essential in order to hear clearly. Scientists are now thinking that this is one of the mechanisms that causes hearing damage related to noise exposure.
Treating hearing loss
As scientists reach a greater understanding of this, they might be able to develop novel methods 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 can’t be protected.
So, how can you protect yourself from 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 test (and regularly checking in with us) can help identify damage early.
- Use ear protection: If there are loud environments you want to be in, or merely can’t avoid, ear plugs and ear muffs can help minimize the damage. A set of earplugs can, for example, allow you to attend 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 noises: Sporting events, concerts, and jet engines come under this category. But many individuals would also be surprised to learn that everyday sounds like chatty workplaces, traffic, or lawnmowers can also result in hearing damage.
Understand the causes, protect your ears
Can you reverse noise-related hearing loss? Sadly no. This form of hearing loss and tinnitus cannot be cured, though it can be managed quite successfully. Better understanding the causes of hearing loss and the mechanisms by which hearing loss functions can help hearing specialists (and you) develop better strategies and treatments tailored to keep your hearing safe.
Even though this research is promising, we still have a ways to go. But we appear to be getting closer to understanding. On an individual level, it’s crucial to take steps to safeguard your hearing and check in with your hearing specialist.