The underlying basis of noise-related hearing loss might seem well-founded. After all, the name itself indicates a fairly direct cause-and-effect relationship. Our basic understanding is that irreversible hearing damage is caused by exposure to overly loud noise over a long period of time.
Though we’ve recognized this for some time now, we haven’t perfectly understood the underlying mechanisms behind it. That’s improving, thanks to emerging research into the role of zinc management after exposure to loud sounds. This research suggests that there’s an important link between zinc and hearing loss.
What is zinc? And how does it affect hearing loss?
Zinc is a commonplace mineral. Most individuals have plenty of zinc in their bodies, carrying out distinct 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. With a few exceptions, most individuals receive plenty of zinc from their food every day.
At first glance, it might be difficult to determine the association between hearing loss and zinc. The link between zinc and hearing isn’t, after all, immediately obvious. However, a unique experiment has shed some light on what’s going on.
Researchers performed 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 sound. In humans, this might first be encountered as a temporary muffling of sound. This will become more acute and more permanent as chronic noise exposure continues. This damage can’t be healed in either humans or mice.
After taking some blood samples from the mice, some intriguing results in terms of free-floating zinc were discovered.
Does zinc help or cause hearing loss?
Because of this result, scientists now have a better understanding of how noise-related hearing loss symptoms occur. Typically, zinc in the body is molecularly bound. Researchers detected zinc in free-floating form after the experiment’s mice were subjected to loud noise. Zinc most likely behaves the same way in humans.
The free-floating zinc triggers damage to sensitive portions of the inner ear that are crucial 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
As scientists gain a greater understanding of this, they might be able to formulate novel methods to prevent hearing loss in people who are frequently subjected to loud noise. Unfortunately, these developments are likely still some ways off. But there are still other ways to safeguard your ears.
So, how can you protect yourself from noise-related hearing loss?
Here are a few measures you can take to safeguard your hearing:
- 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 discover that everyday noises like chatty workplaces, traffic, or leaf blowers can also cause hearing damage.
- Use 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. A set of earplugs can, for example, allow you to go to that loud concert and still be able to hear the music but also provide some protection against irreversible hearing loss.
- Routinely 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.
Understand the causes, safeguard your ears
Can you reverse noise-induced hearing loss? Unfortunately not. Although you can effectively treat this form of hearing loss and any related tinnitus, it has no cure. Better understanding the causes of hearing loss and the mechanisms by which hearing loss functions can help hearing specialists (and you) formulate better strategies and treatments designed to keep your hearing safe.
Although this research is promising, we still have a ways to go. But every bit helps. On an individual level, it’s crucial to take steps to safeguard your hearing and check in with your hearing specialist.