There are many well recognized causes of hearing loss, but not many people recognize the dangers that some chemicals present to their hearing. Groups that are at risk include automotive workers, plastics, textiles, metal fabrication, and petroleum. You can safeguard your quality of life by being aware of what these chemicals are and what precautions to take.

Certain chemicals could be harmful to your hearing

The word “ototoxic” means that something is toxic to either the ears themselves or the nerves in the ears that help us hear. People can be exposed to chemicals that are “ototoxic” at home or in the workplace. These chemicals can be breathed in, absorbed, or ingested. Once these chemicals get into the body, they can travel to the delicate nerves and other parts of the ear. The resulting hearing loss could be temporary or long-term, and the effect 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 harmful to hearing:

• Asphyxiants – The level of oxygen in the air is decreased by asphyxiants, that includes things like carbon monoxide and tobacco smoke. Harmful levels of these chemicals are frequently produced by things like stoves, gas engines, and other appliances.
• Nitriles – Automotive rubber and seals, super glue and latex glove contain nitriles including acrylonitrile and butenenitrile. Because nitriles repel water, they are beneficial, but they can also contribute to hearing loss.
• Solvents – Solvents, like carbon disulfide and styrene, are used in some industries such as insulation and plastics. If you work in these industries, talk to your workplace safety officer about the degree of exposure you may have, and use all of your safety equipment.
• Metals and compounds – Metals like lead and mercury can cause hearing loss in addition to the damage they can do to other parts of the body. Individuals may regularly be exposed to these metals if they work in the furniture or metal fabrication industries.
• Pharmaceuticals – Drugs, including antibiotics, diuretics, and analgesics can harm your hearing. Consult your physician and your hearing health specialist about any hazards posed by your medications.

If you are exposed to ototoxic chemicals, what can you do?

The best way to protect your hearing from chemical exposure is to take key precautions. If you work in an industry like automotive, firefighting, plastics, pesticide spraying, or construction, ask your employer about exposure levels to these chemicals. Whatever safety equipment that is available to you, like gloves, masks, or garments, make use of all of it.

When you are at home, go over all safety labels on products and adhere to the instructions to the letter. If you can, keep away from any chemicals, open up windows, use proper ventilation, and ask for help with any instructions you can’t understand. Loud noise and chemicals can have a cumulative effect on your hearing so if you find yourself in this type of situation, use extra precautions. Try to stay a step ahead of hearing loss by getting regular hearing exams if you are taking any ototoxic medications or you can’t stay away from chemicals. We can use our experience to help you develop a plan to avoid any further damage.

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References

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4693596/