Most people are aware of the common causes of hearing loss, but certain chemicals can also lead to hearing loss which can be surprising. While there are several groups of people at risk, those in industries like textiles, petroleum, automotive, plastics, and metal fabrication have increased exposure. You can protect your quality of life by knowing what these chemicals are and what precautions to take.
Your hearing could be harmed by some chemicals
The word “ototoxic” means that something is toxic to either the ears themselves or the nerves in the ears that help with hearing. Specific chemicals are ototoxic, and individuals can be exposed to these chemicals at home and in the workplace. They may absorb these chemicals through the skin, breathe, or ingest them. These chemicals can travel to the sensitive nerves of the ears once they enter the body. Noise exposure will multiply the negative effects, whether permanent or temporary, of ototoxic hearing loss.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration, or OSHA, recognized five kinds of chemicals that can be harmful to hearing:
- Solvents – Specific industries such as plastics and insulation use solvents like styrene and carbon disulfide in manufacturing. If you work in these fields, consult your workplace safety officer about the degree of exposure you might have, and use all of your safety equipment.
- Pharmaceuticals – Your hearing can be harmed by medications that contain antibiotics, analgesics, and diuretics. You can determine if any medications you may be taking present any dangers to your hearing by consulting your physician and your hearing specialist.
- Metals and compounds – Metals like lead and mercury can result in hearing loss on top of the damage they can do to other parts of the body. People in the fabricated metal or furniture industries may get exposed to these metals frequently.
- 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 could put out harmful levels of these chemicals.
- Nitriles – Nitriles like 3-Butenenitrile and acrylonitrile are used in making products such as automotive rubber and seals, super glue, and latex gloves. Nitrile-based products can be beneficial because they help repel water, but exposure can harm your hearing.
What should 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 such as automotive, firefighting, plastics, pesticide spraying, or construction, consult your employer about exposure levels to these chemicals. Make sure you use all safety equipment your job provides, such as protective gloves, garments, and masks.
When you are at home, read all safety labels on products and follow the instructions to the letter. If you can, stay away from any chemicals, open up windows, use appropriate ventilation, and request help with any instructions you can’t comprehend. Use extra safety measures if you’re around noise at the same time as chemicals, as the two can have a cumulative impact on your hearing. Try to keep a step ahead of hearing loss by getting regular hearing exams if you are using any ototoxic medications or you can’t stay away from chemicals. We can use our experience to help you make a plan to avoid any further damage.
References
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4693596/