It might seem as though the roots of noise-related hearing loss are functionally well-understood. After all, the name itself indicates a fairly direct 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 recognized this for some time now, we haven’t entirely understood the inherent mechanisms behind it. That’s changing, thanks to emerging research into the role of zinc management after exposure to loud sounds. This research suggests that there’s an important link between zinc and hearing loss.
How is hearing loss impacted by zinc?
Zinc is a commonplace mineral. The majority of individuals have plenty of zinc in their bodies, carrying out specific and necessary functions. Healthy levels of zinc are associated with a well-functioning immune system and play a role in how well your brain translates chemical signals. With a few exceptions, the vast majority of people get enough zinc from their daily food intake.
The link between zinc and hearing loss may, at first sight, be difficult to identify. The relationship between zinc and hearing isn’t, after all, instantly 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. In mice, as with humans, the sensitive mechanisms of the ear become damaged when exposed to loud sound. For humans, sound will initially become impermanently muffled. This will become more serious and more permanent as chronic 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 fascinating results in terms of free-floating zinc were discovered.
Does zinc help or cause hearing loss?
Because of this result, scientists now better understand how noise-related hearing loss symptoms occur. Usually, zinc in the body is molecularly bound. During the experiment, researchers noticed that zinc became free-floating after 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 think results in the kind of damage that causes noise-related hearing loss.
How to treat hearing loss
Over time, this kind of understanding might help scientists stop noise-induced hearing loss from ever happening, even in those people who are often exposed to loud noises. However, it may be some time before those developments become a viable reality. But that doesn’t mean your ears can’t be protected.
So, how can you safeguard yourself from noise-related hearing loss?
There are a number of approaches you may use to safeguard your ears:
- Regulate your exposure to loud sounds: This obviously includes noises like jet engines, concerts, or sporting events. But many individuals would also be surprised to learn that everyday sounds like chatty workplaces, traffic, or leaf blowers can also cause hearing damage.
- Wear ear 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 decrease the damage. A set of earplugs can, for instance, allow you to attend that loud concert and still be able to hear the music but also provide some protection against permanent hearing loss.
- Regularly check in with your hearing specialist: Undergoing a hearing test (and routinely checking in with us) can help detect damage early.
Understand the causes, safeguard your ears
Can noise-induced hearing loss be reversed? Sadly no. Though you can effectively manage this form of hearing loss and any related tinnitus, it has no cure. Strategies developed 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 every bit helps. On a personal level, it’s essential to take steps to safeguard your hearing and check in with your hearing specialist.