New Research Promotes Awareness On Workplace Chemical Exposure That Can Cause Hearing Loss

Work-related hearing loss has been associated with prolonged exposure to occupational noise. Many people may still be unaware that chemical exposure can cause deafness as well. Researchers at the University of Queensland in Australia will be conducting related studies on this to develop potential hearing tests for auditory loss detection caused by chemical exposure at work. Findings could provide manufacturers and workers new information on acceptable limits of chemical exposure at work.

Adrian Fuente, the study’s lead author, said that some jobs have higher health risks compared with other occupations. Some of which are workers handling textile, garments, plastic or rubber ware, paints, petrochemicals and other related products. Employees in aviation industries and some laboratories are also included. The researchers are inviting individuals from these industries to participate in their study. As of 2013, around 943,700 Australian employees work in the manufacturing sector. Some may have been already exposed to occupational ototoxins for some time.

Most people are familiar with the effects of noise exposure to hearing but are not that aware of the ototoxic effects of chemical exposure. According to the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health & Safety, ototoxic chemicals can cause minor to severe hearing impairment or deafness. Once these toxins enter the blood vessels, it reaches the ears, damages the auditory nerve and thereby cause hearing loss. Combination with noise exposure even at safe levels could still cause auditory injuries.

Some of the ototoxins are organic solvents commonly used in manufacturing daily commodities. Heavy metals such as lead, mercury and arsenic are used in industrial processes. Although there are existing occupational safety measures, these may not be sufficient as it is difficult to assess the actual effects of exposure to different concentrations of these chemicals, especially if the workers are exposed to occupational noise too.

Hearing loss could lead to negative biological, cognitive, social and psychological effects, according to the Better Hearing Institute. This not only have impacts on affected individuals, but on the people relating with them as well, if left untreated. Thorough studies on occupational ototoxins are being promoted to improve tools, tests and regulations used in occupational hearing conservation programes.

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