These Chemicals Could Increase Your Risk of Hearing Loss

Hazard pictogram of occupational chemical hazards that could cause hearing loss

There are many commonly recognized causes of hearing loss, but few people realize the dangers that certain chemicals pose to their hearing. While there are numerous groups of people at risk, those in industries like textiles, petroleum, automotive, plastics, and metal fabrication have greater exposure. Being aware of what these harmful chemicals are and what safeguards you should take can help protect your quality of life.

Some chemicals could be hazardous to your hearing

The ears themselves or the nerves inside of the ears can be toxically affected by anything that has an “ototoxic” effect. People can come in contact with chemicals that are “ototoxic” in the workplace or at home. They can absorb these chemicals through the skin, breathe, or ingest them. Once these chemicals are in the body, they can travel to the delicate nerves and other parts of the ear. Noise exposure will increase the negative impact, whether permanent or temporary, of ototoxic hearing loss.

Five types of chemicals that can harm your hearing were defined by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration or OSHA:

  • Nitriles – Nitriles like 3-Butenenitrile and acrylonitrile are utilized in producing products such as automotive rubber and seals, super glue, and latex gloves. Because nitriles repel water, they are useful, but they can also cause hearing loss.
  • Metals and compounds – Metals including lead and mercury can result in hearing loss in addition to the damage they can do to other parts of the body. Individuals in the fabricated metal or furniture industries may get exposed to these metals frequently.
  • Asphyxiants – Asphyxiants reduce the amount of oxygen in the air and consist of things like carbon monoxide and tobacco smoke. Harmful levels of these chemicals are frequently produced by things like stoves, gas engines, and other appliances.
  • Pharmaceuticals – Drugs, including antibiotics, diuretics, and analgesics can damage hearing. You can find out if any medications you might be using present any hazards to your hearing by consulting your physician and your hearing specialist.
  • Solvents – Specific industries such as plastics and insulation utilize solvents like styrene and carbon disulfide in manufacturing. Use all of your safety equipment and talk to your workplace safety officer if you work in these industries.

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

The best way to safeguard your hearing from chemical exposure is to take key precautions. If you work in an industry such as automotive, firefighting, plastics, pesticide spraying, or construction, consult your employer about exposure levels to these chemicals. Any safety equipment that is provided to you, including gloves, masks, or garments, make use of all of it.

Read and follow all of the safety instructions listed on product labels. If you can, keep away from any chemicals, open up windows, use proper ventilation, and ask for help with any instructions you don’t understand. Take extra precautions if you’re around noise at the same time as chemicals, as the two can have a cumulative effect on your hearing. Try to keep a step ahead of hearing loss by getting regular screenings if you are taking any ototoxic medications or you can’t avoid chemicals. We are experienced in addressing the various causes of hearing loss and can help you come up with a plan to avoid further damage.

References

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

The site information is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. To receive personalized advice or treatment, schedule an appointment.

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