NHCA 2021 Virtual Conference

Noise remains the predominant cause of work-related hearing loss, but evidence demonstrates that certain common chemicals can also damage hearing. Chemicals identified as ototoxic include: solvents, metals, asphyxiants, carbon monoxide, organotins, polychlorinated biphenyls (PBCs), and certain pesticides. Reports from animal experiments demonstrate that chemicals can interact synergistically with noise or potentiate its effects. The interaction is modified by several factors, including the temporal distribution of the noise exposure. Some ototoxic chemicals can affect hearing even with low or no noise exposure. Evidence has prompted the proposal of new guidelines and standards on hearing loss prevention internationally. In 2018, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health jointly published the Safety and Health Information Bulletin Preventing Hearing Loss Caused by Chemical (Ototoxicity) and Noise Exposure. Since 2019, the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists’ Threshold Limit Values® publication has included an ototoxicity notation to alert the occupational safety and health community about the potential hazard. In 2020, NHCA joined the International Ototoxicity Management Group, which will, now, include information on ototoxicants other than medications. This presentation will examine recent developments and suggest recommendations for preventing auditory effects of exposure to ototoxic chemicals.

Learning Objectives:
1. Participants will identify the classes of chemical ototoxicants that affect hearing.
2. Participants will determine factors that can affect risk of ototoxicity, including impulsive noise exposures
3. Evalaute chemical exposure solutions can reduce the risk of hearing loss.