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Allergy caused by light-cured ear-moulds
B Koefoed-Nielsen1, B Pedersen
1Department of Audiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark.
Abstract:
This investigation was conducted after the occurrence of allergic contact dermatitis in three laboratory technicians all engaged in the production of UV-light-cured acrylate ear-moulds. Ninety patients fitted with such moulds claimed discomfort to the same extent as patients with traditionally made acryl moulds. Of thirteen patients seen for clinical examination, seven were tested for allergy in the same way as the technicians and four were found to be sensitized to monomere metacrylates in the wax. The handling of the base materials in the laboratory as well as the UV-light-curing procedure needs further investigation.
Insights
Allergic contact dermatitis occurred in lab technicians producing UV-light-cured acrylate ear-moulds. Further investigation is needed into materials and UV-curing processes due to patient discomfort and sensitization to methacrylates.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Dermatology
- Occupational Health
Background:
- Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) is a significant occupational hazard.
- Acrylate ear-moulds are used for hearing aids and other devices.
- UV-light curing is a common method in producing polymer-based medical devices.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the cause of allergic contact dermatitis in laboratory technicians.
- To assess patient discomfort associated with UV-light-cured acrylate ear-moulds.
- To identify potential allergens in the production of these ear-moulds.
Main Methods:
- Case study of three laboratory technicians experiencing ACD.
- Patient surveys on discomfort with UV-cured and traditionally made ear-moulds.
- Allergy testing (patch testing) on patients and technicians for sensitization to specific chemicals.
Main Results:
- Three laboratory technicians developed ACD during the production of UV-light-cured acrylate ear-moulds.
- Ninety patients reported similar discomfort levels with UV-cured acrylate and traditional ear-moulds.
- Four out of seven tested patients showed sensitization to monomere methacrylates present in the wax.
Conclusions:
- Monomere methacrylates in acrylate ear-moulds are a likely cause of allergic contact dermatitis.
- Both laboratory handling of materials and the UV-light curing process require further investigation.
- Potential for occupational and patient sensitization necessitates improved safety protocols in ear-mould production.