It might seem as if the roots of noise-related hearing loss are functionally well-recognized. A fairly clear-cut cause-and-effect connection is indicated by the name, after all. The common understanding is simply that loud sounds damage the hearing mechanisms in the ear, causing long-term and irreversible hearing loss.
Though we’ve known this for some time now, we haven’t perfectly understood the underlying mechanisms behind it. That’s changing, thanks to new research into the role of zinc management after exposure to loud sounds. Hearing loss and zinc regulation have a significant link according to this research.
What is zinc? And how does it affect hearing loss?
Zinc is a mineral needed for carrying out necessary bodily functions and most individuals have plenty of it. Healthy levels of zinc are connected 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 individuals get enough zinc from their daily food intake.
At first glance, it might be difficult to determine the connection between hearing loss and zinc. After all, it’s not immediately clear what role zinc plays in your hearing. 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 sensitive mechanisms of the ear become damaged when exposed to loud noise. For humans, sound will initially become impermanently muffled. As an individual is continually exposed to loud noise, this damage will become more severe and lasting. This damage can’t be healed in either humans or mice.
After taking some blood samples from the mice, some fascinating results in terms of free-floating zinc were revealed.
Is hearing loss caused or helped by zinc?
Scientists now have a better picture of how the symptoms of noise-induced hearing loss occur because of these results. Typically, zinc in the body is molecularly bound. During the experiment, researchers observed that zinc became free-floating after the ears were subjected to loud noises and sound-related stresses. It’s likely the same thing happens in humans.
This zinc de-regulation ends up doing cellular damage to the inner ear, especially to the parts of the inner ear in control of clear hearing. Scientists are now thinking that this is one of the mechanisms that produces hearing damage related to noise exposure.
Managing hearing loss
As scientists gain a deeper understanding of this, they might be able to develop novel methods to prevent hearing loss in individuals who are regularly subjected to loud noise. Regrettably, 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 several steps you can take to safeguard your hearing:
- Regularly check in with your hearing specialist: Detecting 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.
- Wear ear protection: If there are noisy settings you want to be in, or merely can’t avoid, ear plugs and ear muffs can help minimize the damage. If you attend that concert, for example, wear a set of ear plugs to ensure you can still hear, but that your ears don’t become irreversibly damaged as a consequence.
- Regulate your exposure to loud noises: This clearly includes noises like jet engines, concerts, or sporting events. But most individuals would also be surprised to discover that everyday sounds like chatty offices, traffic, or leaf blowers can also cause hearing damage.
Understand the causes, safeguard your ears
Can noise-related hearing loss be cured? Unfortunately not. Even though you can effectively treat this form of hearing loss and any associated 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) formulate better techniques and treatments designed to keep your hearing safe.
Although this research is promising, we still have a ways to go. But every bit helps. On a personal level, it’s essential to take measures to protect your hearing and check in with your hearing specialist.