The underlying basis of noise-induced hearing loss might seem well-founded. After all, the name itself indicates a fairly direct cause-and-effect relationship. Our fundamental understanding is that irreversible hearing damage is a result of exposure to overly loud sound over a long period of time.
Though we’ve recognized this for some time now, we haven’t perfectly understood the inherent mechanisms behind it. That’s improving, thanks to emerging research into the role of zinc regulation after exposure to loud sounds. Hearing loss and zinc regulation have a significant connection according to this research.
What is zinc? And how does it impact hearing impairment?
Zinc is a common mineral. Most individuals have plenty of zinc in their bodies, performing specific and essential functions. Zinc helps your brain translate chemical signals and is connected to immune system functions. With a few exceptions, the vast majority of people receive enough zinc from their food every day.
The connection between zinc and hearing loss might, at first glance, be difficult to identify. The relationship between zinc and hearing isn’t, after all, immediately obvious. However, a novel experiment has shed some light on what’s happening.
Researchers did some analysis on mice that were exposed to loud noise. In mice, as with humans, the sensitive mechanisms of the ear become damaged when exposed to loud noise. In humans, this might first be encountered as a temporary muffling of sound. As an individual is continually exposed to loud sound, this damage will become more serious and lasting. This damage can’t be cured in either humans or mice.
Researchers also took blood samples from the mice and noticed some interesting results in terms of free-floating zinc.
Does zinc help or cause hearing loss?
Because of this result, scientists now better understand how noise-induced hearing loss symptoms happen. Normally, when zinc is in the body, it’s bound molecularly. During the experiment, researchers observed that zinc became free-floating when the ears were exposed to loud noises and sound-related stresses. It’s likely the same thing occurs in humans.
The free-floating zinc causes damage to delicate parts of the inner ear that are essential in order to hear clearly. Scientists are now thinking that this is one of the mechanisms that causes hearing damage related to noise exposure.
How to treat hearing loss
In the future, this sort of understanding might help scientists prevent noise-related hearing loss from ever happening, even in those people who are often exposed to loud noises. Unfortunately, these advancements are likely still some ways off. But that doesn’t mean your ears can’t be protected.
So, you may be wondering: how can I prevent noise-related hearing loss?
There are a number of approaches you may utilize to protect your ears:
- Limit your exposure to loud noises: Sporting events, concerts, and jet engines belong to this category. But most people would also be surprised to learn that everyday noises like chatty workplaces, traffic, or leaf blowers can also lead to hearing damage.
- Consistently check in with your hearing specialist: Undergoing a hearing test (and routinely checking in with us) can help identify damage early.
- Wear ear protection: Ear muffs and ear plugs can help your ears cope with loud settings that you can’t, or don’t want to avoid. If you attend that concert, for instance, wear a set of ear plugs to ensure you can still hear, but that your ears don’t become irreversibly damaged as a consequence.
Protect your ears by understanding causes
Can noise-related hearing loss be reversed? Regrettably not. This form of hearing loss and tinnitus can’t be cured, though it can be managed quite effectively. Strategies created to keep your hearing safe will be more effective the better you understand the mechanisms behind hearing loss.
Although this research is promising, we still have a ways to go. But every bit helps. On an individual level, it’s essential to take measures to protect your hearing and check in with your hearing specialist.