It may seem as if the causes of noise-related hearing loss are functionally well-established. After all, the name itself suggests a fairly direct cause-and-effect relationship. The universal understanding is simply that loud noises damage the hearing mechanisms in the ear, leading to long-term and permanent hearing loss.
And while that’s true, the mechanisms underpinning that cause have not always been so well understood. But because of recent research, we’re gaining a deeper understanding of noise-related hearing loss, and this includes the role of zinc intake after being exposed to loud sounds. This research reveals that there’s an important connection between zinc and hearing loss.
How is hearing loss affected by zinc?
Zinc is a common mineral. Most individuals have plenty of zinc in their bodies, carrying out distinct and essential functions. Zinc helps your brain translate chemical signals and is linked to immune system functions. With a few exceptions, the vast majority of individuals get enough zinc from their food every day.
At first glance, it might be difficult to determine the relationship between hearing loss and zinc. After all, it isn’t immediately clear what role zinc plays in your hearing. However, a novel experiment has shed some light on what’s happening.
Researchers did some analysis on mice that were exposed to loud sound. In mice, as with humans, the fragile mechanisms of the ear become damaged when exposed to loud noise. In humans, this may first be experienced as a temporary muffling of sound. This will become more acute and more permanent as chronic noise exposure continues. In both mice and humans, the body is not able to heal or repair this damage.
Researchers also took blood samples from the mice and observed some interesting results in terms of free-floating zinc.
Is hearing loss caused or helped by zinc?
Scientists now have a better picture of how the symptoms of noise-related hearing loss happen because of this research. 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.
The free-floating zinc triggers damage to delicate parts of the inner ear that are essential in order to hear clearly. This is the mechanism that scientists now believe results in the type of damage that causes noise-related hearing loss.
Treating hearing loss
As scientists gain a greater understanding of this, they may be able to formulate novel ways to prevent hearing loss in individuals who are frequently exposed to loud noise. However, it might be some time before those advancements become a viable reality. But there are still other ways to protect your ears.
So, how can you protect yourself from noise-induced hearing loss?
Here are several steps you can take to safeguard your hearing:
- Routinely check in with your hearing specialist: Undergoing 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 most people would also be surprised to learn that everyday sounds like chatty workplaces, traffic, or lawnmowers can also cause hearing damage.
- Use ear protection: Ear muffs and ear plugs can help your ears manage loud environments that you can’t, or don’t want to stay away from. A pair of earplugs can, for instance, allow you to attend that loud concert and still be capable of hearing the music but also offer some protection against irreversible hearing loss.
Protect your ears by understanding causes
Can noise-related hearing loss be cured? Regrettably not. Although you can effectively manage this type of hearing loss and any related tinnitus, it can’t be cured. Better understanding the causes of hearing loss and the mechanisms by which hearing loss functions can help hearing specialists (and you) formulate better techniques and treatments designed to keep your hearing safe.
This research is likely just the first step in a longer process. But every bit helps. On an individual level, it’s crucial to take measures to safeguard your hearing and check in with your hearing specialist.