It might seem as though the roots of noise-related hearing loss are functionally well-established. A fairly obvious cause-and-effect relationship is indicated by the name, after all. The universal understanding is simply that loud noises damage the hearing mechanisms in the ear, causing long-term and permanent hearing loss.
And while that’s accurate, the mechanisms behind that cause haven’t always been so well understood. That’s improving, thanks to new research into the role of zinc management after exposure to loud noises. This research suggests that there’s an important connection between zinc and hearing loss.
How is hearing loss impacted by zinc?
Zinc is a mineral required for carrying out necessary bodily functions and most people have plenty of it. Zinc helps your brain interpret chemical signals and is linked to immune system functions. In most cases, a person’s diet supplies enough zinc.
The link between zinc and hearing loss might, at first sight, be difficult to recognize. The connection between zinc and hearing isn’t, after all, instantly apparent. A new experiment has begun to expose what’s going on, however.
Researchers exposed mice to loud noises and carried out a few analyses afterward. In mice, as with humans, the fragile mechanisms of the ear become damaged when exposed to loud noise. In humans, this may first be encountered as a temporary muffling of sound. This will become more serious and more permanent as persistent 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 better picture of how the symptoms of noise-induced hearing loss happen because of these results. 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-related stresses. Zinc most likely behaves the same way in humans.
The free-floating zinc triggers damage to delicate portions of the inner ear that are essential in order to hear clearly. Scientists are now thinking that this is one of the mechanisms that produces hearing damage due to noise exposure.
How to treat hearing loss
As scientists gain a greater understanding of this, they may be able to formulate novel approaches to prevent hearing loss in individuals who are frequently subjected to loud noise. Regrettably, these advancements are likely still some ways off. But there are still other ways to protect your ears.
So, you may be wondering: how can I prevent noise-related hearing loss?
There are a number of approaches you can employ to protect your ears:
- Wear ear protection: Ear muffs and ear plugs can help your ears cope with loud settings that you can’t, or don’t want to avoid. If you attend that concert, for example, use a set of ear plugs to ensure you can still hear, but that your ears don’t become permanently damaged as a result.
- Regulate your exposure to loud noises: Sporting events, concerts, and jet engines belong to this category. But there are some more commonplace noises that can cause hearing loss that may be surprising, and that includes things like a leaf blower, traffic, or people talking loudly in a busy office.
- Routinely check in with your hearing specialist: Discovering damage as early as possible can help minimize long-term damage, and coming in to see us for a routine hearing test is the best way to do that.
Safeguard your ears by understanding causes
Can noise-related hearing loss be cured? Regrettably not. Although you can successfully treat this form 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 works can help hearing specialists (and you) develop better techniques and treatments tailored to keep your hearing safe.
This research is likely just the first step in a longer undertaking. But we seem to be getting closer to understanding. On an individual level, it’s essential to take measures to safeguard your hearing and check in with your hearing specialist.