The underlying basis of noise-related hearing loss may seem well-founded. A fairly obvious cause-and-effect relationship is indicated by the name, after all. Our fundamental understanding is that permanent hearing damage is caused by exposure to overly loud noise over a long period of time.
And while that’s true, the mechanisms behind that cause haven’t always been so well established. But because of recent research, we’re developing a deeper understanding of noise-related hearing loss, and this includes the role of zinc intake after being exposed to loud sounds. This research suggests that there’s an important connection between zinc and hearing loss.
What is zinc? And how does it impact hearing loss?
Zinc is a commonplace mineral. Most people have an abundance of zinc in their bodies, carrying out distinct and essential functions. 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 connection between zinc and hearing loss might, at first sight, be difficult to recognize. After all, it isn’t instantly obvious what role zinc plays in your hearing. However, a unique experiment has shed some light on what’s going on.
Researchers did some analysis on mice that were exposed to loud noise. When exposed to loud sounds, the same thing happens to mice as happens to humans: the fragile parts of the ear become damaged. For humans, sound will initially become temporarily muffled. This will become more serious and more permanent as persistent noise exposure continues. This damage can’t be healed in either humans or mice.
After taking some blood samples from the mice, some intriguing results in terms of free-floating zinc were discovered.
Does zinc help or cause hearing loss?
Scientists now have a greater understanding of how the symptoms of noise-induced hearing loss happen because of these results. 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-related stresses. Zinc most likely reacts the same way in humans.
The free-floating zinc triggers damage to fragile portions of the inner ear that are crucial in order to hear clearly. 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 may be able to develop novel approaches to prevent hearing loss in individuals 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, how can you safeguard yourself from noise-related hearing loss?
There are several strategies you may use 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.
- Limit your exposure to loud sounds: Sporting events, concerts, and jet engines belong to this category. But there are some more commonplace noises that can cause hearing loss that might be surprising, including things like a leaf blower, traffic, or people speaking loudly in a busy office.
- 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. A set of earplugs can, for example, allow you to attend that loud concert and still be able to hear the music but also provide some protection against permanent hearing loss.
Understand the causes, safeguard your ears
Can you cure noise-induced hearing loss? Sadly no. This form of hearing loss and tinnitus cannot be cured, though it can be managed very effectively. Strategies created to keep your hearing safe will be more effective the better you understand the mechanisms behind hearing loss.
This research is likely just the first step in a longer undertaking. But we appear to be getting closer to understanding. On a personal level, it’s crucial to take measures to protect your hearing and check in with your hearing specialist.
