There are many commonly known causes of hearing loss, but not many people recognize the dangers that some chemicals present to their hearing. At risk groups include automotive workers, plastics, textiles, metal fabrication, and petroleum. Knowing what these harmful chemicals are and what safeguards you should take can help protect your quality of life.

Your hearing could be harmed by some chemicals

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. These chemicals can travel to the delicate nerves of the ears once they get into the body. Noise exposure will increase the negative effects, whether permanent or temporary, of ototoxic hearing loss.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration, or OSHA, identified five types of chemicals that can be hazardous to hearing:

• Metals and compounds – Metals like mercury and lead have other harmful effects on the body, but they can also result in hearing loss. People could frequently be exposed to these metals if they’re in the furniture or metal fabrication industries.
• Solvents – Solvents, like carbon disulfide and styrene, are used in certain industries such as insulation and plastics. Use all of your safety equipment and talk to your workplace safety officer if you work in these sectors.
• Asphyxiants – The amount of oxygen in the air is reduced by asphyxiants, that includes things like carbon monoxide and tobacco smoke. Vehicles, gas tools, stoves, and other appliances may put out harmful amounts of these chemicals.
• Pharmaceuticals – Drugs, including antibiotics, diuretics, and analgesics can harm your hearing. You can learn if any medications you may be using present any dangers to your hearing by talking with your physician and your hearing specialist.
• Nitriles – Automotive rubber and seals, super glue and latex glove contain nitriles such as acrylonitrile and butenenitrile. Because nitriles repel water, they are beneficial, but they can also contribute to hearing loss.

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

The ideal way to safeguard 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. You need to utilize every safety material your job offers, such as protective gloves, garments, and masks.

When you are at home, go over all safety materials on products and follow the instructions to the letter. If you can, keep away from any chemicals, open up windows, use appropriate ventilation, and ask for help with any instructions you can’t comprehend. Loud noise and chemicals can have a cumulative impact on your hearing so if you find yourself in this type of scenario, use extra precautions. Try to stay a step ahead of hearing loss by having regular hearing exams if you are using any ototoxic medications or you can’t avoid chemicals. We are experienced in dealing with the numerous causes of hearing loss and can help you put together a plan to prevent further damage.

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References

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