The underlying foundation of noise-induced hearing loss might seem well-understood. After all, the name itself indicates a fairly straightforward cause-and-effect relationship. Our basic understanding is that permanent hearing damage is a result of exposure to overly loud noise over a long period of time.
And while that’s accurate, the mechanisms underpinning that cause have not always been so well established. But because of new 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 noises. This research suggests that there’s a significant connection between zinc and hearing loss.
How is hearing impairment impacted by zinc?
Zinc is a mineral needed for executing necessary bodily functions and most individuals have an abundance of it. Healthy amounts of zinc are connected with a well-functioning immune system and play a part in how well your brain translates chemical signals. In most cases, a person’s diet supplies plenty of zinc.
The connection between zinc and hearing loss may, at first glance, be difficult to recognize. The connection between zinc and hearing isn’t, after all, instantly apparent. A new experiment has started to reveal what’s going on, however.
Researchers exposed mice to loud sounds and conducted a few analyses afterward. In mice, as with humans, the fragile mechanisms of the ear become damaged when exposed to loud sound. For humans, sound will initially become impermanently 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?
Scientists now have a greater picture of how the symptoms of noise-induced hearing loss happen because of this research. Usually, 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. Zinc most likely reacts the same way in humans.
The free-floating zinc causes damage to delicate parts of the inner ear that are crucial in order to hear clearly. This is the mechanism that scientists now believe results in the kind of damage that causes noise-related hearing loss.
Managing hearing loss
As scientists gain a deeper understanding of this, they may be able to develop novel ways to prevent hearing loss in people who are frequently exposed to loud noise. Regrettably, these developments are likely still some ways off. But there are still other ways to safeguard your ears.
So, you may be asking: how can I prevent noise-related hearing loss?
Here are several measures you can take to protect your hearing:
- Routinely check in with your hearing specialist: Undergoing a hearing screening (and regularly checking in with us) can help detect damage early.
- Use hearing protection: If there are noisy environments you want to be in, or merely can’t stay away from, ear plugs and ear muffs can help lessen the damage. If you go to that concert, for example, wear a pair of ear plugs to ensure you can still hear, but that your ears don’t become irreversibly damaged as a consequence.
- Regulate your exposure to loud noises: Sporting events, concerts, and jet engines fall into this category. But there are some more commonplace noises that can cause hearing loss that may be surprising, including things like a leaf blower, traffic, or individuals talking loudly in a bustling office.
Understand the causes, safeguard your ears
Can noise-related hearing loss be cured? Sadly no. Though you can successfully manage this type of hearing loss and any related tinnitus, it can’t be cured. Better understanding the causes of hearing loss and the mechanisms by which hearing loss functions can help hearing specialists (and you) formulate better techniques and treatments tailored to keep your hearing safe.
This research is probably just the first step in a longer process. But every bit helps. On an individual level, it’s important to take measures to safeguard your hearing and check in with your hearing specialist.
