Ototoxicity and neurotoxicity from exposure to a mixture of organic solvents and noise, a case report

Abstract

Background: Neuropsychological alterations and decreased hearing, are related to organic solvents (OS) exposure; and if noise is present it potentiates the hearing damage. Aim: to evaluate neuropsychological performance and hearing of a 50 years old worker, occupationally exposed to OS mixtures for 26 years (toluene, ethyl acetate and isopropyl alcohol) and noise > 85 dB (A). Design of study: Report of a case assessed by Neuropsychological tests, CT and SPECT studies of hearing and clinic-occupational history. Results: He presented, loss between 35 to > 55 dB HL of his hearing in both ears, both in low frequencies (125 Hz-2 kHz) as well as the treble ones (3-8 kHz), in relation to his age. There was an otoacoustic emissions absence at the same frequencies. He showed cerebellar atrophy, cognitive, motor and emotional disorders. Conclusions: We Integrated diagnosis of: moderate to severe hearing loss, mental and behaviour disorders due to the simultaneous exposure to noise and an OS mixture, mainly toluene. It should fully evaluate workers exposed to noise and OS.