What Are Ototoxic Chemicals? The Most Common Chemicals that Can Damage Hearing
Ototoxic translates to “ear poison” and refers to chemicals, medications, or forms of radiation that can damage the inner ear, leading to hearing loss, tinnitus, or dizziness. More than 100 types of medications used in the United States to treat pain, infections, cancer, heart disease, or kidney disease can damage your hearing ability.
How Does Ototoxicity Happen?
The inner ear is so sensitive to changes that certain medications can damage the delicate hair cells inside the ear which are responsible for hearing. This can lead to hearing loss, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), or balance problems.
Common Ototoxic Medications
Medications you may take on a daily basis could be damaging your hearing and you didn’t even realize it. Here are some examples of medications that are ototoxic:
- Antibiotics
- Diuretics
- Chemo agents
- NSAIDs
- Pain relievers (Motrin, Advil, etc.)
While pain relievers such as Advil, Aleve, and Tylenol are okay to take in moderation, daily consumption could potentially lead to hearing loss.
Industrial Chemicals that Are Ototoxic
If you work in an occupation where you are exposed to chemicals or solvents on a regular basis, it’s important to know if they are ototoxic. Some examples include:
- Solvents: Toluene, styrene, xylene, ethylbenzene, trichloroethylene, carbon disulfide (found in paints, lacquers, adhesives, degreasers, and some pesticides)
- Asphyxiants: Carbon monoxide and hydrogen cyanide
- Metals and Compounds: Mercury compounds, lead, organic tin compounds, manganese
Symptoms of Ototoxicity
Symptoms of ototoxicity may develop gradually. Common signs are:
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
- Fullness in the ears
- Hearing loss
- Dizziness or loss of balance
- Nausea
What You Should Do
Before taking any medications, it’s important to talk with your doctor about the potential side effects and if they could impact your hearing ability. If you cannot avoid taking prescribed medication for another health reason, you should have your hearing monitored on a regular basis.
If you work in an occupation where you are exposed to ototoxic chemicals, such as manufacturing, automotive, mining, construction, or agriculture, it’s crucial you have your hearing monitored.
Annual hearing screenings will catch any signs of hearing loss early, before it begins to affect other areas of your life. At Pee Dee Hearing, we offer comprehensive hearing services for the people of Florence, Darlington, and the surrounding areas.