There are lots of well recognized causes of hearing loss, but not many people recognize the dangers that some chemicals present to their hearing. While there are several groups of people at risk, individuals in industries like textiles, petroleum, automotive, plastics, and metal fabrication have greater exposure. You can protect 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 ears themselves or the nerves inside of the ears can be toxically impacted by anything that has an “ototoxic” effect. People can be exposed to chemicals that are “ototoxic” at home or in the workplace. They may absorb these chemicals through the skin, inhale, or ingest them. These chemicals can travel to the sensitive nerves of the ears once they enter the body. Noise exposure will increase the negative effects, whether permanent or temporary, of ototoxic hearing loss.
Five kinds of chemicals that can damage your hearing were identified by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration or OSHA:
- Nitriles – Nitriles like 3-Butenenitrile and acrylonitrile are used in making products such as automotive rubber and seals, super glue, and latex gloves. Because nitriles repel water, they are useful, but they can also result in hearing loss.
- Asphyxiants – Asphyxiants decrease the amount of oxygen in the air and consist of things like carbon monoxide and tobacco smoke. Harmful amounts of these chemicals are often put out by things like stoves, gas engines, and other appliances.
- Metals and compounds – Metals such as mercury and lead have other adverse effects on the body, but they can also cause hearing loss. Individuals could 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. You can determine if any medications you might be using pose any dangers to your hearing by talking with your physician and your hearing specialist.
- Solvents – Solvents, like carbon disulfide and styrene, are utilized in some industries like insulation and plastics. Use all of your safety equipment and talk to your workplace safety officer if you work in these industries.
What should you do if you’re exposed to ototoxic chemicals?
Taking key precautions is the ideal way to protect your hearing from exposure to chemicals. Consult your employer about your level of exposure to these chemicals if you work in the automotive, pesticide spraying, plastics, firefighting, or construction industries. Any safety equipment that is provided 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. Use proper ventilation, including opening windows, staying away from any chemicals, and asking for help if you can’t understand any of the labels. Loud noise and chemicals can have a cumulative effect on your hearing so if you find yourself in this kind of scenario, use extra precautions. If you can’t stay away from chemicals or are on medications, be certain you have regular hearing examinations so you can attempt to nip any problems in the bud. We can use our experience to help you develop a plan to avoid any further damage.
References
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4693596/