Noise-induced hearing loss in Korean workers: co-exposure to organic solvents and heavy metals in nationwide industries.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Noise exposure is a well-known contributor to work-related hearing loss. Recent biological evidence suggests that exposure to ototoxic chemicals such as organic solvents and heavy metals may be additional contributors to hearing loss. However, in industrial settings, it is difficult to determine the risks of hearing loss due to these chemicals in workplaces accompanied by excessive noise exposure. A few studies suggest that the effect of noise may be enhanced by ototoxic chemicals. Therefore, this study investigated whether co-exposure to organic solvents and/or heavy metals in the workplace modifies the risk of noise exposure on hearing loss in a background of excessive noise.

Methods

We examined 30,072 workers nationwide in a wide range of industries from the Ko

SUBMITTER: Choi YH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4037174 | biostudies-literature | 2014

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature