ABSTRACT
So far, several studies performed both in humans and animals, have shown lesions of inner ear structures by exposure to some organic solvents, including toluene, ethylbenzene and xylene, chemicals characterized as ototoxic that can be found in a large number of chemicals in different industrial sectors (Costa et al., 2001; Campbell, 2007; Sliwinska-Kowalska et al., 2001; Sulkowski et al., 2002). Injuries such as these, caused by exposure to ototoxic, result in hearing loss initially verified at 3000 Hz level, followed by 4000 and 6000 Hz (Campbell, 2007; Sass-Kortsak et al., 1995; Sliwinska-Kowalska et al., 2005). Chronic exposure to solvent vapors, which normally are a mixture
It is rather common to associate occupational noise to harmful effects on hearing. However, there are other agents in workplaces that may have an impact on the employees, such as vibrations and chemical agents (Bertoncello, 1999; Campbell, 2007; Campo et al., 2009). Certain chemicals defined as ototoxic, such as metals, asphyxiating substances and certain organic solvents, may have a negative effect on the auditory system, either due to their individual performance, or to synergistic effects with other agents, particularly noise (Campos & Santos, 2011; Costa et al., 2001; Campbell, 2007; Sliwinska-Kowalska et al., 2005).
