Most people know about the common causes of hearing loss, but some chemicals can also lead to hearing loss which can be surprising. At risk groups include automotive workers, plastics, textiles, metal fabrication, and petroleum. Being aware of what these harmful chemicals are and what precautions you should take can help preserve your quality of life.
Certain chemicals could be hazardous to your hearing
The word “ototoxic” means that something has a toxic effect on either the ears themselves or the nerves inside of the ears that help us hear. Certain chemicals are ototoxic, and people can be exposed to these chemicals at home and in the workplace. These chemicals can be inhaled, absorbed, or ingested. Once these chemicals get into the body, they can travel to the fragile nerves and other parts of the ear. The resulting hearing loss could be temporary or permanent, and the impact is even worse when noise exposure is also at high levels.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration, or OSHA, defined five types of chemicals that can be hazardous to hearing:
- Solvents – Specific industries including plastics and insulation utilize solvents like styrene and carbon disulfide in manufacturing. Wear all of your safety equipment and talk to your workplace safety officer if you work in these sectors.
- Nitriles – Automotive rubber and seals, super glue and latex glove contain nitriles including acrylonitrile and butenenitrile. Nitrile-based products can be useful because they help repel water, but exposure can harm your hearing.
- Pharmaceuticals – Your hearing can be damaged by medications that have antibiotics, analgesics, and diuretics. Speak with your physician and your hearing health specialist about any hazards posed by your medications.
- Metals and compounds – Metals such as mercury and lead have other negative effects on the body, but they can also result in hearing loss. People in the fabricated metal or furniture sectors might get exposed to these metals frequently.
- Asphyxiants – Asphyxiants reduce the amount of oxygen in the air and include things like carbon monoxide and tobacco smoke. Vehicles, gas tools, stoves, and other appliances may put out harmful amounts of these chemicals.
What can you do if you’re exposed to ototoxic chemicals?
Taking key precautions is the best way to safeguard your hearing from exposure to chemicals. If you work in an industry like automotive, firefighting, plastics, pesticide spraying, or construction, consult your employer about exposure levels to these chemicals. Make sure you utilize all safety equipment your job provides, like protective gloves, garments, and masks.
When you are at home, go over all safety labels on products and follow the instructions to the letter. Use proper ventilation, including opening windows, staying away from any chemicals, and asking for help if you are unable to decipher any of the labels. Loud noise and chemicals can have a cumulative impact on your hearing so if you find yourself in this type of situation, take extra precautions. If you can’t stay away from chemicals or are on medications, be certain you have regular hearing tests so you can attempt to nip any problems in the bud. We are experienced in dealing with the various causes of hearing loss and can help you put together a plan to avoid further damage.
References
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4693596/
