It might seem as though the causes of noise-induced hearing loss are functionally well-established. After all, the name itself indicates a fairly straightforward cause-and-effect relationship. Our basic understanding is that permanent hearing damage is caused by exposure to overly loud sound over a long period of time.
Though we’ve known this for some time now, we haven’t entirely understood the inherent mechanisms behind it. That’s changing, thanks to emerging research into the role of zinc regulation after exposure to loud noises. Hearing loss and zinc management have a significant connection according to this research.
What is zinc? And how does it affect hearing impairment?
Zinc is a mineral required for executing 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 role in how well your brain interprets chemical signals. In most cases, a person’s diet provides plenty of zinc.
The connection between zinc and hearing loss might, at first glance, be difficult to recognize. After all, it’s not immediately clear what role zinc plays in your hearing. A new experiment has started to reveal what’s going on, however.
Researchers exposed mice to loud sounds and conducted a few analyses afterward. In mice, as with humans, the fragile mechanisms of the ear become damaged when exposed to loud sound. 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 noticed some fascinating 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 occur. Usually, when zinc is in the body, it’s bound molecularly. During the experiment, researchers observed that zinc became free-floating after the ears were subjected to loud noises and sound-induced stresses. Zinc most likely reacts the same way in humans.
This zinc de-regulation winds up causing cellular damage to the inner ear, particularly to the parts of the inner ear responsible for clear hearing. Scientists are now thinking that this is one of the mechanisms that produces hearing damage related to noise exposure.
Managing hearing loss
In the future, this type of understanding could help scientists prevent noise-related hearing loss from ever happening, 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 there are still other ways to safeguard your ears.
So, you might be wondering: how can I prevent noise-induced hearing loss?
Here are several steps you can take to protect your hearing:
- Routinely check in with your hearing specialist: Undergoing a hearing screening (and routinely checking in with us) can help detect damage early.
- Limit your exposure to loud noises: Sporting events, concerts, and jet engines fall into this category. But many individuals would also be surprised to learn that everyday noises like chatty workplaces, traffic, or lawnmowers can also result in hearing damage.
- 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 lessen 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.
Understand the causes, safeguard your ears
Can you reverse noise-induced hearing loss? Sadly no. This type of hearing loss and tinnitus cannot be cured, though it can be managed very successfully. 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 tailored to keep your hearing safe.
This research is likely just the first step in a longer undertaking. But we appear to be getting closer to understanding. On an individual level, it’s crucial to take steps to safeguard your hearing and check in with your hearing specialist.