We are excited to have you join us for an amazing educational line up, check out the agenda below for the 2025 Conference. Please note that this agenda is subject to change.
Background: The purpose of this study was to estimate the prevalence of hearing difficulty and workplace exposures to ototoxic chemicals and noise within U.S. industries and occupations.
Methods: National Health Interview Survey data from 2023 were examined, including 17,726 workers. Weighted prevalence and adjusted prevalence ratios of self-reported hearing difficulty and self-reported workplace exposures to ototoxic chemicals, noise and a combination of these exposures were estimated by industry, occupation and demographic. Workplace exposure to secondhand smoke was examined combined with other ototoxic chemicals, but also separately.
Results: Eleven percent of workers reported hearing difficulty. Within the past year, 13% were exposed to ototoxic chemicals and 5% were exposed to secondhand smoke. Twenty-eight percent of workers had a history of occupational noise exposure, with 16% exposed within the past year. Seven percent were exposed to both noise and ototoxic chemicals.
Conclusions: Hearing hazards in the workplace are common. This study was the first to report the prevalence of ototoxic chemical exposure among U.S. workers. This exposure cannot be overlooked when protecting worker hearing. Both noise and ototoxic chemical exposures can be reduced using the hierarchy of controls. Workers with both exposures should receive special attention in hearing conservation programs.
