Promotion of noise-induced hearing loss by chemical contaminants.
Recent studies have underscored the ability of a wide range of chemical agents to potentate noise-induced hearing loss. Given the ubiquitous nature of noise exposure particularly in many work settings, the high rate of noise-induced hearing loss, the limited degree to which auditory function can recover following damage to the inner ear, and the disparate chemical structures that appear capable of impairing hearing, this issue appears to have great public health significance. A compendium of chemicals known to potentiate noise induced hearing loss is presented along with a hypothesis that might explain at least one basis for potentiation of noise-induced hearing loss by certain chemical toxicants. The use of benchmark dose analysis to undertake a risk assessment for promotion of noise-induced hearing loss by both carbon monoxide and hydrogen cyanide is described.
Fechter
Laurence D
LD
Research Service, Jerry Pettis Memorial Veterans Medical Center, Loma Linda Veterans Association for Research and Education, Loma Linda, California, USA. larry.fechter@med.va.gov
D001309:Auditory Threshold / Q000187:drug effects; D002248:Carbon Monoxide / Q000633:toxicity; D003051:Cochlea / Q000187:drug effects; D015386:Hazardous Substances / Q000633:toxicity*; D006317:Hearing Loss, Noise-Induced / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D006856:Hydrogen Cyanide / Q000633:toxicity; D018570:Risk Assessment
D015386:Hazardous Substances; D006856:Hydrogen Cyanide; D002248:Carbon Monoxide