Types & Effects of Deafness
Some chemicals and medicines, called ototoxins can cause temporary or permanent hearing loss, tinnitus or deafness in some individuals.
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[Edit]1 Chemical Ototoxins
Chemical Otoxins may be absorbed through the skin, or inhaled. Many can be found in the workplace and around the home. They include:
- Fuels
- Carbon monoxide
- Lead and derivatives
- Toluene Xylene
- Stoddard solvent
- Mercury and derivatives
- Organophosphate pesticides
- Chemical warfare nerve agent
- Perchloroethylene
- n-hexane
- Ethyl benzene
- Trichloroethylene
- Manganese
- Styrene, monomer
- Cyanide
- Organic tin
- Arsenic
- Carbon disulfide
- Paraquat
If a person works in an area that has exposure to noise as well as these ototoxic chemicals, they should be aware of the combined risks of noise and otoxicity to their hearing. It is recommended that their hearing is checked every year.
- Painting
- Printing
- Boat building
- Construction
- Furniture making
- Manufacturing of metal, leather and petroleum products
- Fueling vehicles and aircraft
- Firefighters
- Weapons firing
[Edit]2 Ototoxic Medicines
Many medicines can be ototoxic to some people.
- Aminoglycoside antibiotics
- Ethacrynic acid - oral
- Aspirin
- Chloroquine
- Quinidine
[Edit]3 Bibliography
Occupational Ototoxins (Ear Poisons) and Hearing Loss
(http://chppm-www.apgea.army.mil/documents/FACT/51-002-0903.pdf), Hearing Conservation and Industrial Hygiene and Medical Safety Management, U.S. Army Center for Health Promotion and Preventive Medicine
[Edit]4 Further Reading
Morata T.C., Chemical Exposure as a Risk Factor for Hearing Loss, JOEM, Vol. 45, Number 7, July 2003.
