The underlying foundation of noise-induced hearing loss might seem well-understood. After all, the name itself indicates a fairly direct cause-and-effect relationship. The universal understanding is simply that loud noises damage the hearing mechanisms in the ear, causing long-term and permanent hearing loss.
And while that’s true, the mechanisms underpinning that cause have not always been so well established. That’s changing, thanks to emerging research into the role of zinc regulation after exposure to loud noises. Hearing loss and zinc management have an important connection according to this research.
What is zinc? And how does it impact hearing impairment?
Zinc is a common mineral. The majority of people have an abundance of zinc in their bodies, performing distinct and necessary functions. Healthy amounts of zinc are associated with a well-functioning immune system and play a part in how well your brain interprets chemical signals. With a few exceptions, most individuals get enough zinc from their daily food intake.
At first, it might be difficult to determine the connection between hearing loss and zinc. The link between zinc and hearing isn’t, after all, immediately obvious. A new experiment has begun to expose what’s going on, however.
Researchers exposed mice to loud sounds and carried out a few analyses afterward. When exposed to loud noises, the same thing happens to mice as happens to humans: the sensitive parts of the ear become damaged. In humans, this might first be encountered as a temporary muffling of sound. As an individual is continually exposed to loud noise, this damage will become more serious and lasting. 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 observed some interesting results in terms of free-floating zinc.
Is hearing loss caused or helped by zinc?
Because of this result, scientists now better understand how noise-induced hearing loss symptoms occur. 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.
This zinc de-regulation ends up doing cellular damage to the inner ear, especially to the parts of the inner ear responsible for clear hearing. 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 reach a deeper understanding of this, they might be able to formulate novel ways 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 protect your ears.
So, how can you safeguard yourself from noise-related hearing loss?
There are a number of strategies you may employ to protect your ears:
- Wear ear protection: Ear muffs and ear plugs can help your ears cope with noisy settings that you can’t, or don’t want to avoid. A pair 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 permanent hearing loss.
- Limit your exposure to loud noises: Sporting events, concerts, and jet engines fall into this category. But most individuals would also be surprised to discover that everyday sounds like chatty offices, traffic, or lawnmowers can also result in hearing damage.
- Routinely check in with your hearing specialist: Undergoing a hearing screening (and regularly checking in with us) can help identify damage early.
Understand the causes, safeguard your ears
Can you reverse noise-related hearing loss? Unfortunately not. This form 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 functions can help hearing specialists (and you) develop better techniques and treatments designed to keep your hearing safe.
Even though this research is encouraging, we still have a ways to go. But every bit helps. On an individual level, it’s important to take measures to protect your hearing and check in with your hearing specialist.