The underlying foundation of noise-induced hearing loss might seem well-founded. A fairly obvious cause-and-effect connection is suggested by the name, after all. Our fundamental understanding is that permanent hearing damage is a result of exposure to overly loud noise over a long period of time.
Though we’ve known this for some time now, we haven’t entirely understood the underlying mechanisms behind it. That’s changing, thanks to emerging research into the role of zinc regulation after exposure to loud noises. This research indicates that there’s a significant connection between zinc and hearing loss.
What is zinc? And how does it impact hearing impairment?
Zinc is a mineral required for carrying out necessary bodily functions and the majority of individuals have plenty of it. Zinc helps your brain interpret chemical signals and is connected to immune system functions. With a few exceptions, most people get enough zinc from their daily food intake.
The link between zinc and hearing loss might, at first glance, be difficult to recognize. The relationship between zinc and hearing isn’t, after all, instantly obvious. However, a unique experiment has shed some light on what’s going on.
Researchers performed some analysis on mice that were exposed to loud sound. When exposed to loud noises, the same thing happens to mice as happens to humans: the fragile parts of the ear are damaged. For humans, sound will initially become impermanently muffled. As a person is regularly exposed to loud sound, this damage will become more serious and lasting. In both mice and humans, the body is not capable of healing or repairing this damage.
Researchers also took blood samples from the mice and noticed some fascinating 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-related hearing loss happen because of these results. Normally, when zinc is in the body, it’s bound molecularly. Researchers discovered zinc in free-floating form after the experiment’s mice were subjected to loud noise. Zinc most likely responds 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 related to noise exposure.
How to treat hearing loss
As scientists reach a better understanding of this, they might be able to develop novel approaches to prevent hearing loss in people who are frequently exposed to loud noise. Unfortunately, these advancements are likely still some ways off. But that doesn’t mean your ears are defenseless.
So, you may be asking: how can I prevent noise-related hearing loss?
Here are a few steps you can take to safeguard your hearing:
- Routinely check in with your hearing specialist: Getting a hearing screening (and routinely checking in with us) can help detect damage early.
- Wear ear protection: If there are noisy environments you want to be in, or simply can’t stay away from, ear plugs and ear muffs can help decrease the damage. A pair 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 irreversible hearing loss.
- Limit your exposure to loud noises: This obviously includes noises like jet engines, concerts, or sporting events. But most people would also be surprised to learn that everyday sounds like chatty workplaces, traffic, or leaf blowers can also result in hearing damage.
Understand the causes, protect your ears
Can noise-related hearing loss be reversed? Sadly no. Although you can successfully treat this type of hearing loss and any associated tinnitus, it can’t be cured. 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 promising, we still have a ways to go. But we seem to be getting closer to understanding. Your immediate role is to get your hearing examined and use ear protection.
