Abstract
BackgroundA number of studies have demonstrated that solvents may induce auditory dysfunction. However, there is still little knowledge regarding the main signs and symptoms of solvent-induced hearing loss (SIHL). The aim of this research was to investigate the association between solvent exposure and adverse effects on peripheral and central auditory functioning with a comprehensive audiological test battery.MethodsSeventy-two solvent-exposed workers and 72 non-exposed workers were selected to participate in the study. The test battery comprised pure-tone audiometry (PTA), transient evoked otoacoustic emissions (TEOAE), Random Gap Detection (RGD) and Hearing-in-Noise test (HINT).ResultsSolvent-exposed subjects presented with poorer mean test results than non-exposed subjects. A bivariate and multivariate linear regression model analysis was performed. One model for each auditory outcome (PTA, TEOAE, RGD and HINT) was independently constructed. For all of the models solvent exposure was significantly associated with the auditory outcome. Age also appeared significantly associated with some auditory outcomes.ConclusionsThis study provides further evidence of the possible adverse effect of solvents on the peripheral and central auditory functioning. A discussion of these effects and the utility of selected hearing tests to assess SIHL is addressed.
Highlights
A number of studies have demonstrated that solvents may induce auditory dysfunction
The use of different tests to identify solvent-induced hearing loss (SIHL) This study has shown that solvent exposure is associated with poorer sound detection thresholds, lower OAE response amplitudes, reduced central auditory functioning as measured by a temporal resolution task (RGD), and poorer speech perception abilities
The present study provides evidence that the Random Gap Detection (RGD) test and the Hearing-in-Noise test (HINT) are suitable clinical tools for the detection of central auditory dysfunction associated with solvent exposure
Summary
A number of studies have demonstrated that solvents may induce auditory dysfunction. The aim of this research was to investigate the association between solvent exposure and adverse effects on peripheral and central auditory functioning with a comprehensive audiological test battery. Most solvents are colourless liquids at room temperature that volatise and have strong odours. Millions of persons are currently exposed to solvents in their workplaces [2], mostly in developing countries. One of the first reports of the adverse effects of solvents on human hearing came from Szulck-Kuberska et al [3] who studied a group of workers exposed to trichloroethylene. Current scientific evidence from animal models indicates that solvents such as toluene, styrene, xylene, n-hexane, and ethyl benzene, as well as trichloroethylene, have ototoxic effects
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