Most people are familiar with the common causes of hearing loss but don’t recognize the hazards that commonplace chemicals pose to their hearing. There is an greater exposure risk for people who work in metal fabrication , automotive-plastics , petroleum, and textiles . Your quality of life can be enhanced by recognizing what these chemicals are and how to protect yourself.
Something that has a toxic effect on the nerves of the ears or the ears themselves is known as ototoxic . At work or at home, people can come in contact with ototoxic chemicals. They might absorb these chemicals through the skin, ingest, or inhale them. These chemicals, once they get into the body, will go into the ear, affecting the delicate nerves. The impact is even worse when it comes with high levels of noise exposure, leading to temporary or permanent loss of hearing.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration, or OSHA, defined five kinds of chemicals which can be detrimental to your hearing:
Taking precautions is the key to safeguarding your hearing. If you work in a sector like plastics, automotive, fire-fighting, pesticide spraying, or construction, consult your employer about exposure levels to these chemicals. Make sure you utilize every safety material your job supplies, like protective garment, gloves, and masks.
Be certain you adhere to all of the instructions on the labels of your medications before you use them. When you are using any chemicals, if you don’t understand the label, get help, and use correct ventilation . Noise and chemicals can have a cumulative effect on your hearing, so if you are around both at the same time, take extra precautions. Try to get ahead of any potential problems by having a regular hearing exam if you are on medications or if you can’t steer clear of chemicals. Hearing specialists have experience with the numerous causes of hearing loss and can help you figure out a plan to avoid further damage.
1455 W. Court St.
Kankakee, IL 60901
815 939 2024
Mon & Wed: 9am-4:30pm (Staff only)
Tue & Thu: 8:30am-5pm (Doctor sees patients)
Fri: 9am-1pm (Staff only)
Fri: 2pm-5pm (Doctor sees patients)
Closed for lunch 12pm-1pm
29 West 34th St.
Steger, IL 60475
708 756 1767
Mon & Wed: 8:30am-5pm (Doctor sees patients)
Tue & Thu: 9am-4:30pm (Staff only)
Fri: 8:30am-12pm (Doctor sees patients)
Fri: 1pm-4:30pm (Staff only)
Closed for lunch 12pm-1pm