The underlying foundation of noise-induced hearing loss might seem well-understood. A fairly clear-cut cause-and-effect relationship is suggested by the name, after all. Our basic understanding is that permanent hearing damage is a result of 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. But because of recent research, we’re developing 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 regulation have a significant connection according to this research.
What is zinc? And how does it impact hearing impairment?
Zinc is a mineral required for carrying out necessary bodily functions and the majority of people have plenty of it. Zinc helps your brain interpret chemical signals and is connected to immune system functions. With a few exceptions, most people get plenty of zinc from their food every day.
At first glance, it might be difficult to determine the association between hearing loss and zinc. After all, it’s not immediately obvious what role zinc plays in your hearing. A new experiment has begun to expose what’s going on, however.
Researchers performed some analysis on mice that were exposed to loud sound. When exposed to loud sounds, the same thing happens to mice as happens to humans: the delicate parts of the ear become damaged. For humans, sound will initially become impermanently muffled. This will become more serious and more permanent as persistent 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?
Scientists now have a greater understanding of how the symptoms of noise-related hearing loss happen because of these results. Typically, zinc in the body is molecularly bound. During the experiment, researchers noticed that zinc became free-floating when the ears were exposed to loud noises and sound-related stresses. Zinc most likely reacts the same way in humans.
The free-floating zinc triggers damage to fragile 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 due to noise exposure.
How to treat hearing loss
As scientists gain a better understanding of this, they might be able to formulate novel approaches to prevent hearing loss in individuals who are frequently exposed to loud noise. Regrettably, these advancements are likely still some ways off. But there are still other ways to protect your ears.
So, how can you protect yourself from noise-related hearing loss?
There are several approaches you may utilize to safeguard your ears:
- Wear hearing protection: Ear muffs and ear plugs can help your ears cope with noisy environments that you can’t, or don’t want to stay away from. A pair of earplugs can, for example, allow you to go to that loud concert and still be capable of hearing the music but also offer some protection against permanent hearing loss.
- Limit your exposure to loud noises: This obviously includes noises like jet engines, concerts, or sporting events. But there are some more commonplace noises that can cause hearing loss that may be surprising, and that includes things like a leaf blower, traffic, or individuals talking loudly in a bustling office.
- Routinely check in with your hearing specialist: Discovering damage as early as possible can help decrease long-term damage, and coming in to see us for a regular hearing test is the best way to do that.
Understand the causes, protect your ears
Can you reverse noise-related hearing loss? Regrettably not. This kind of hearing loss and tinnitus cannot be cured, though it can be managed very successfully. Strategies created to keep your hearing safe will be more successful the better you understand the mechanisms behind hearing loss.
Even though this research is promising, we still have a ways to go. But we seem to be getting closer to understanding. On a personal level, it’s crucial to take steps to protect your hearing and check in with your hearing specialist.