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09:44
Neuro-rehabilitation Approach for Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Published on: January 25, 2016
Peripheral and central auditory dysfunction induced by occupational exposure to organic solvents
Adrian Fuente1, Martin D Slade, Tanisha Taylor
1School of Speech and Hearing Sciences, Medical Faculty, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile. afuente@med.uchile.cl
Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine
|September 30, 2009
Summary
Occupational solvent exposure may harm hearing, affecting both peripheral and central auditory functions. A dichotic digits test can help detect these solvent-induced auditory dysfunctions in workers.
Area of Science:
- Occupational health
- Audiology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Occupational solvent exposure is prevalent in industries like coatings manufacturing.
- The impact of solvents on hearing, particularly central auditory processing, requires further investigation in non-noise-exposed populations.
- Existing research often focuses on noise-induced hearing loss, leaving solvent-related auditory effects less understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effects of occupational solvent exposure on hearing function using a comprehensive audiological test battery.
- To assess peripheral and central auditory processing in workers with varying levels of solvent exposure.
- To identify potential auditory biomarkers for solvent-induced hearing dysfunction.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 110 coating factory workers was studied, categorized by job-related solvent exposure levels.
- Hearing assessment included pure-tone hearing thresholds (0.5-8 kHz and 12-16 kHz) and the dichotic digits test for central auditory processing.
- Multiple linear regression models were employed to analyze associations between solvent exposure and hearing outcomes, controlling for covariates like age and gender.
Main Results:
- Significant associations were observed between solvent exposure levels and all three assessed hearing outcomes (peripheral and central).
- Age, gender, race, and ethnicity were also found to be significantly associated with hearing function.
- The dichotic digits test demonstrated sensitivity in detecting auditory processing changes related to solvent exposure.
Conclusions:
- Occupational solvent exposure is linked to both peripheral and central auditory dysfunction.
- The dichotic digits test is a valuable tool for identifying central auditory dysfunction in solvent-exposed workers.
- Hearing loss prevention programs should consider incorporating the dichotic digits test for monitoring workers exposed to solvents.
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