It might seem as if the causes of noise-induced hearing loss are functionally well-established. After all, the name itself indicates a fairly straightforward cause-and-effect relationship. Our basic understanding is that irreversible hearing damage is caused by exposure to overly loud sound over a long period of time.
Though we’ve known this for some time now, we haven’t entirely understood the inherent mechanisms behind it. But because of recent research, we’re developing a deeper understanding of noise-induced hearing loss, including the role of zinc intake after being exposed to loud noises. This research suggests that there’s an important connection between zinc and hearing loss.
What is zinc? And how does it affect hearing impairment?
Zinc is a commonplace mineral. Most people have an abundance of zinc in their bodies, carrying out distinct and essential functions. Healthy amounts of zinc are connected with a well-functioning immune system and play a role in how well your brain interprets chemical signals. With a few exceptions, the vast majority of people get plenty of zinc from their food every day.
At first, it might be challenging to determine the connection between hearing loss and zinc. After all, it isn’t instantly obvious what role zinc plays in your hearing. However, a unique experiment has shed some light on what’s happening.
Researchers exposed mice to loud noises and performed a few analyses afterward. In mice, as with humans, the sensitive mechanisms of the ear become damaged when exposed to loud noise. In humans, this might first be experienced as a temporary muffling of sound. As an individual is continually exposed to loud noise, this damage will become more serious 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 noticed 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-related hearing loss symptoms happen. Usually, zinc in the body is molecularly bound. During the experiment, researchers observed that zinc became free-floating when the ears were subjected to loud noises and sound-related stresses. It’s likely the same thing happens in humans.
The free-floating zinc triggers damage to delicate parts of the inner ear that are crucial in order to hear clearly. This is the mechanism that scientists now believe leads to the type of damage that causes noise-induced hearing loss.
Treating hearing loss
Over time, this sort of understanding may help scientists stop noise-induced hearing loss from ever occurring, even in those people who are often exposed to loud noises. However, it might be some time before those developments become a viable reality. But that doesn’t mean your ears are defenseless.
So, how can you protect yourself from noise-related hearing loss?
There are several strategies you may employ to protect your ears:
- Limit your exposure to loud sounds: This clearly includes noises such as jet engines, concerts, or sporting events. But most individuals would also be surprised to discover that everyday sounds like chatty workplaces, traffic, or leaf blowers can also cause hearing damage.
- Use hearing protection: If there are noisy environments you want to be in, or merely can’t avoid, ear plugs and ear muffs can help lessen the damage. If you attend that concert, for instance, use a set of ear plugs to ensure you can still hear, but that your ears don’t become irreversibly damaged as a consequence.
- Regularly check in with your hearing specialist: Undergoing a hearing screening (and regularly checking in with us) can help identify damage early.
Understand the causes, safeguard your ears
Can noise-related hearing loss be reversed? Sadly no. This type 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 successful the better you understand the mechanisms behind hearing loss.
Although this research is encouraging, 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.
