The underlying basis of noise-related hearing loss may seem well-understood. After all, the name itself suggests a fairly direct cause-and-effect relationship. The common understanding is simply that loud sounds damage the hearing mechanisms in the ear, leading to long-term and permanent hearing loss.
Though we’ve recognized this for some time now, we haven’t completely understood the inherent mechanisms behind it. 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 sounds. This research indicates that there’s a significant connection between zinc and hearing loss.
What is zinc? And how does it impact hearing loss?
Zinc is a common mineral. The majority of people have an abundance of zinc in their bodies, performing distinct and necessary 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, most individuals get plenty of zinc from their daily food intake.
At first, it might be challenging to see the connection between hearing loss and zinc. After all, it’s not instantly clear what role zinc plays in your hearing. However, a unique experiment has shed some light on what’s going on.
Researchers exposed mice to loud sounds and performed a few analyses afterward. When exposed to loud noises, the same thing happens to mice as happens to humans: the fragile parts of the ear become damaged. In humans, this may first be encountered as a temporary muffling of sound. This will become more acute and more permanent as persistent noise exposure continues. In both mice and humans, the body is not able to heal or repair this damage.
After taking some blood samples from the mice, some intriguing results in terms of free-floating zinc were revealed.
Does zinc help or cause hearing loss?
Because of this result, scientists now have a better understanding of how noise-induced hearing loss symptoms occur. Typically, 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-related stresses. Zinc most likely reacts the same way in humans.
The free-floating zinc causes damage to fragile parts of the inner ear that are crucial in order to hear clearly. Scientists are now thinking that this is one of the mechanisms that produces hearing damage due to noise exposure.
Managing hearing loss
As scientists reach a deeper understanding of this, they might be able to formulate novel methods to prevent hearing loss in individuals who are regularly subjected to loud noise. Regrettably, these developments are likely still some ways off. But that doesn’t mean your ears are defenseless.
So, how can you safeguard yourself from noise-induced hearing loss?
There are several strategies you may utilize to safeguard your ears:
- Regulate your exposure to loud noises: This clearly includes noises like jet engines, concerts, or sporting events. But many people would also be surprised to learn that everyday noises like chatty workplaces, traffic, or lawnmowers can also lead to hearing damage.
- Consistently check in with your hearing specialist: Getting a hearing screening (and routinely checking in with us) can help detect damage early.
- Use hearing protection: Ear muffs and ear plugs can help your ears manage noisy settings that you can’t, or don’t want to avoid. A pair of earplugs can, for instance, allow you to go to that loud concert and still be capable of hearing the music but also provide some protection against irreversible hearing loss.
Protect your ears by understanding causes
Can you reverse noise-related hearing loss? Regrettably not. This type of hearing loss and tinnitus can’t be cured, though it can be managed very effectively. Strategies developed to keep your hearing safe will be more effective the better you understand the mechanisms behind hearing loss.
Although this research is promising, we still have a ways to go. But every bit helps. On a personal level, it’s important to take measures to safeguard your hearing and check in with your hearing specialist.
