Audiometric Database Analysis of the Effects of Otoxicants in the Workplace
Project Overview
The project Audiometric Database Analysis of the Effects of Ototoxicants in the Workplace seeks to explore the prevalence and impact of ototoxic chemicals in British Columbia workplaces. Ototoxicants are substances that can cause hearing loss, either independently or in conjunction with noise exposure. By analyzing a large database of audiometric test results and linking them to occupational exposure data, this project aims to identify patterns of hearing loss related to ototoxicant exposure, providing valuable insights for workplace safety initiatives.
Concerns Addressed
Hearing loss remains a significant occupational health issue in British Columbia, affecting thousands of workers annually. While noise is a well-recognized risk, many workers are also exposed to ototoxic chemicals that may exacerbate hearing damage. Current workplace safety practices primarily focus on noise reduction, leaving the ototoxic threat under-addressed. This research seeks to fill that gap by analyzing exposure to both noise and ototoxicants, with the goal of better protecting workers from preventable hearing loss.
Image @ OSHA
Goals and Objectives
- Research Prevalence: Determine how frequently workers in BC are exposed to ototoxicants and how these exposures contribute to hearing loss.
- Assess Risk: Investigate the increased risk of hearing loss in workers exposed to both noise and ototoxic chemicals, compared to those exposed only to noise.
- Industry Analysis: Identify industries where workers are at the highest risk for hearing loss due to ototoxic exposures and develop targeted interventions.
- Policy Recommendations: Provide data-driven recommendations to improve occupational safety standards and hearing conservation programs in BC.
Funders and Stakeholders
This research is supported by WorkSafeBC and involves collaboration with key institutions like the University of British Columbia and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). Stakeholders include workplace safety professionals, policymakers, and industry leaders, particularly in sectors such as construction, manufacturing, and automotive repair, where ototoxic exposures are prevalent.