The underlying basis of noise-induced hearing loss might seem well-understood. A fairly obvious cause-and-effect relationship is suggested by the name, after all. 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 recognized this for some time now, we haven’t completely understood the inherent mechanisms behind it. That’s improving, thanks to new research into the role of zinc regulation after exposure to loud noises. Hearing loss and zinc regulation have an important connection according to this research.
What is zinc? And how does it affect hearing impairment?
Zinc is a common mineral. The majority of individuals have an abundance of zinc in their bodies, carrying out distinct and essential functions. Zinc helps your brain interpret chemical signals and is linked to immune system functions. In most cases, a person’s diet provides enough zinc.
The connection between zinc and hearing loss may, at first sight, be difficult to recognize. After all, it’s not instantly clear what role zinc plays in your hearing. A new experiment has begun to expose what’s going on, however.
Researchers exposed mice to loud noises and carried out a few analyses afterward. In mice, as with humans, the fragile mechanisms of the ear become damaged when exposed to loud sound. For humans, sound will initially become impermanently muffled. As an individual is regularly exposed to loud sound, this damage will become more extreme and lasting. In both mice and humans, the body isn’t able to heal or repair this damage.
Researchers also took blood samples from the mice and noticed some interesting results in terms of free-floating zinc.
Is hearing loss caused or helped by zinc?
Because of this research, scientists now have a better understanding of how noise-related hearing loss symptoms happen. Typically, zinc in the body is molecularly bound. During the experiment, researchers observed that zinc became free-floating when the ears were exposed to loud noises and sound-related stresses. It’s likely the same thing occurs in humans.
The free-floating zinc causes damage to sensitive portions of the inner ear that are crucial in order to hear clearly. This is the mechanism that scientists now believe leads to the kind of damage that causes noise-related hearing loss.
Treating hearing loss
As scientists gain a greater understanding of this, they might be able to develop novel ways to prevent hearing loss in people who are frequently subjected to loud noise. Regrettably, these developments are likely still some ways off. But that doesn’t mean your ears are defenseless.
So, you might be asking: how can I prevent noise-induced hearing loss?
Here are a few steps you can take to safeguard your hearing:
- Regulate your exposure to loud sounds: Sporting events, concerts, and jet engines come under this category. But there are some more commonplace noises that can cause hearing loss that might be surprising, including things like a leaf blower, traffic, or people talking loudly in a bustling office.
- Use ear protection: If there are noisy settings you want to be in, or merely can’t stay away from, ear plugs and ear muffs can help lessen the damage. If you attend that concert, for example, wear a set of ear plugs to ensure you can still hear, but that your ears don’t become permanently damaged as a consequence.
- Consistently check in with your hearing specialist: Undergoing a hearing test (and regularly checking in with us) can help identify damage early.
Protect your ears by understanding causes
Can you cure noise-induced hearing loss? Sadly no. This form of hearing loss and tinnitus cannot be cured, though it can be managed quite 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 seem to be getting closer to understanding. On a personal level, it’s essential to take measures to safeguard your hearing and check in with your hearing specialist.