Ototoxicity in the Occupational Environment: A Neurological Problem

Citation: Lange JH, Condello AV (2017) Ototoxicity in the Occupational Environment: A Neurological Problem. J Headache Pain Manag. Vol. 2 No. 2 : 9. Historically, hearing loss was associated with “high” noise levels, particularly over a long period of time. Difficulty in hearing is a major medical condition impacting millions of people worldwide. In the United States, noise induced hearing loss as a result of employment (occupational exposure) is a major concern due to raising Workman’s Compensation Claims and its impact on the quality of life. However, in the 1980’s investigators [1] began to recognize that other substances could alone and in combination with noise result in hearing loss. Today, some substances (chemicals) are clearly recognized as contributors to hearing loss in people (e.g. toluene) while other substances (e.g. trimethyltin) are supported by animal investigations only [2]. This dichotomy makes protection very difficult because most substances suggested to be ototoxic are not supported with epidemiological information. What make this association even more complicated is the number of drugs (e.g. prescription and over-the-counter) that also exhibit ototoxic characteristics (e.g. loop diuretics, aspirin) [3]. Occupationally, these ototoxic agents are being expanded in the update of Noise Criteria issued by the American Conference of Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH). Although, interactions in the industrial environment of noise and substances have been clearly recognized for about three decades, there appears to be an expansion as to the degree of concern and awareness. There was some awareness of interactions with noise and hearing loss since the late 1950’s, but was not fully identified or fundamentally recognized until the publication by Bergstrom and Nystrom [1]. However, at least occupationally and more notability environmentally (Public Health concerns), ototoxic substances are a relatively new subject area that is in its infancy of understanding.