The underlying basis of noise-induced hearing loss may seem well-understood. A fairly obvious cause-and-effect connection is suggested by the name, after all. The common understanding is simply that loud noises damage the hearing mechanisms in the ear, leading to long-term and irreversible hearing loss.
Though we’ve known this for some time now, we haven’t perfectly understood the inherent mechanisms behind it. That’s changing, thanks to new research into the role of zinc regulation after exposure to loud sounds. Hearing loss and zinc management have a significant connection according to this research.
How is hearing loss impacted by zinc?
Zinc is a mineral required for executing necessary bodily functions and the majority of individuals have an abundance of it. Healthy amounts of zinc are associated with a well-functioning immune system and play a part in how well your brain interprets chemical signals. With a few exceptions, most people receive enough zinc from their daily food intake.
The connection between zinc and hearing loss might, at first sight, be difficult to recognize. The link between zinc and hearing isn’t, after all, immediately apparent. However, a novel experiment has shed some light on what’s happening.
Researchers did 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 fragile parts of the ear are damaged. For humans, sound will initially become impermanently muffled. This will become more serious and more permanent as chronic noise exposure continues. This damage can’t be healed in either humans or mice.
Researchers also took blood samples from the mice and observed some interesting results in terms of free-floating zinc.
Does zinc help or cause hearing loss?
Because of this result, scientists now have a better understanding of how noise-induced hearing loss symptoms happen. Usually, zinc in the body is molecularly bound. During the experiment, researchers observed that zinc became free-floating after the ears were exposed to loud noises and sound-induced stresses. It’s likely the same thing happens in humans.
This zinc de-regulation ends up causing cellular damage to the inner ear, specifically to the parts of the inner ear responsible for clear hearing. Scientists are now thinking that this is one of the mechanisms that causes hearing damage due to noise exposure.
Managing hearing loss
Over time, this sort of understanding could help scientists prevent noise-induced hearing loss from ever occurring, even in those individuals who are often exposed to loud noises. However, it might be some time before those advancements become a viable reality. But that doesn’t mean your ears can’t be protected.
So, how can you safeguard yourself from noise-related hearing loss?
There are a number of strategies you can utilize to protect your ears:
- Regularly check in with your hearing specialist: Detecting damage as early as possible can help reduce 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 loud settings you want to be in, or merely can’t stay away from, ear plugs and ear muffs can help decrease the damage. A pair of earplugs can, for example, allow you to attend that loud concert and still be capable of hearing the music but also offer some protection against irreversible hearing loss.
- Limit your exposure to loud noises: This clearly includes noises like jet engines, concerts, or sporting events. But many people would also be surprised to learn that everyday sounds like chatty workplaces, traffic, or lawnmowers can also result in hearing damage.
Safeguard your ears by understanding causes
Can you cure noise-induced hearing loss? Sadly no. Although you can effectively treat this form of hearing loss and any related tinnitus, it has no cure. Strategies developed to keep your hearing safe will be more successful 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. On a personal level, it’s essential to take measures to protect your hearing and check in with your hearing specialist.