It might seem as if the causes of noise-related hearing loss are functionally well-recognized. After all, the name itself conveys a fairly direct cause-and-effect relationship. Our fundamental understanding is that irreversible hearing damage is a result of exposure to overly loud noise over a long period of time.
And while that’s relevant, the mechanisms underpinning that cause have not always been so well understood. That’s changing, thanks to emerging research into the role of zinc management after exposure to loud sounds. This research indicates that there’s an important link between zinc and hearing loss.
How is hearing impairment impacted by zinc?
Zinc is a common mineral. The majority of people 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 part in how well your brain translates chemical signals. With a few exceptions, the vast majority of people get plenty of zinc from their food every day.
The connection between zinc and hearing loss might, at first sight, be difficult to identify. 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 engaged in some analysis on mice that were exposed to loud sound. When exposed to loud sounds, the same thing happens to mice as happens to humans: the delicate parts of the ear become damaged. For humans, sound will initially become impermanently muffled. As an individual is regularly exposed to loud noise, this damage will become more severe and lasting. This damage can’t be cured in either humans or mice.
After taking some blood samples from the mice, some fascinating results in terms of free-floating zinc were revealed.
Does zinc help or cause hearing loss?
Because of this research, scientists now better understand how noise-induced hearing loss symptoms happen. Usually, when zinc is in the body, it’s bound molecularly. During the experiment, researchers observed that zinc became free-floating when the ears were subjected to loud noises and sound-induced stresses. It’s likely the same thing occurs in humans.
The free-floating zinc triggers damage to delicate portions of the inner ear that are crucial in order to hear clearly. This is the mechanism that scientists now believe results in the type of damage that causes noise-induced hearing loss.
How to manage hearing loss
As scientists reach a greater understanding of this, they might be able to develop novel ways to prevent hearing loss in people who are frequently subjected to loud noise. Unfortunately, these advancements are likely still some ways off. But that doesn’t mean your ears can’t be protected.
So, you may be asking: how can I prevent noise-related hearing loss?
There are several strategies you may utilize to safeguard your ears:
- Routinely check in with your hearing specialist: Getting a hearing screening (and regularly checking in with us) can help identify damage early.
- Regulate your exposure to loud sounds: Sporting events, concerts, and jet engines come under 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 individuals speaking loudly in a busy office.
- Wear ear protection: Ear muffs and ear plugs can help your ears deal with loud environments that you can’t, or don’t want to stay away from. If you go to that concert, for instance, wear a pair of ear plugs to ensure you can still hear, but that your ears don’t become permanently damaged as a result.
Understand the causes, safeguard your ears
Can you cure noise-induced hearing loss? Sadly no. This form of hearing loss and tinnitus can’t be cured, though it can be managed very effectively. Better understanding the causes of hearing loss and the mechanisms by which hearing loss works can help hearing specialists (and you) formulate better techniques and treatments tailored to keep your hearing safe.
This research is most likely just the first step in a longer undertaking. But every bit helps. Your direct role is to get your hearing tested and use hearing protection.
