It might seem as if the causes of noise-related hearing loss are functionally well-recognized. A fairly clear-cut cause-and-effect relationship is suggested by the name, after all. The universal understanding is simply that loud sounds damage the hearing mechanisms in the ear, causing long-term and permanent hearing loss.
Though we’ve known this for some time now, we haven’t perfectly understood the underlying mechanisms behind it. But because of new 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 noises. Hearing loss and zinc management have a significant connection according to this research.
How is hearing impairment affected by zinc?
Zinc is a common mineral. Most individuals have an abundance of zinc in their bodies, performing specific and essential functions. Healthy levels of zinc are linked to a well-functioning immune system and play a part in how well your brain interprets chemical signals. In most cases, a person’s diet provides plenty of zinc.
At first, it might be difficult to see the association between hearing loss and zinc. The connection between zinc and hearing isn’t, after all, instantly apparent. A new experiment has started to reveal what’s going on, however.
Researchers engaged in some analysis on mice that were exposed to loud sound. When exposed to loud noises, the same thing happens to mice as happens to humans: the fragile parts of the ear become damaged. In humans, this may first be encountered as a temporary muffling of sound. This will become more serious and more permanent as chronic noise exposure continues. This damage can’t be cured 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 research, scientists now better understand how noise-induced hearing loss symptoms happen. Usually, when zinc is in the body, it’s bound molecularly. Researchers discovered zinc in free-floating form after the experiment’s mice were exposed to loud noise. It’s likely the same thing occurs in humans.
The free-floating zinc triggers damage to delicate portions of the inner ear that are essential in order to hear clearly. This is the mechanism that scientists now think results in the type of damage that causes noise-related hearing loss.
Treating hearing loss
As scientists reach a greater understanding of this, they might be able to formulate novel approaches to prevent hearing loss in people who are frequently subjected to loud noise. However, it might be some time before those developments become a viable reality. But there are still other ways to safeguard your ears.
So, how can you protect yourself from noise-related hearing loss?
There are several approaches you can utilize to protect your ears:
- Use ear protection: If there are noisy environments you want to be in, or merely can’t stay away from, ear plugs and ear muffs can help minimize the damage. If you go to 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.
- Limit your exposure to loud noises: This obviously includes noises such as jet engines, concerts, or sporting events. But many individuals would also be surprised to discover that everyday noises like chatty offices, traffic, or leaf blowers can also lead to hearing damage.
- Consistently check in with your hearing specialist: Getting a hearing test (and routinely checking in with us) can help detect damage early.
Understand the causes, protect your ears
Can noise-related hearing loss be reversed? 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 probably just the first step in a longer undertaking. But we seem to be getting closer to understanding. On a personal level, it’s important to take measures to safeguard your hearing and check in with your hearing specialist.
