2023 NHCA Annual Conference

A challenging area in hearing health today is ototoxicity; however, the International Ototoxicity Management Group (IOMG) is working to change this. IOMG is addressing deficiencies in ototoxicity management by creating guidance intended to give those exposed to ototoxicants greater control over their long-term auditory health. Opportunities exist (1) to better inform people of ototoxic risks, (2) to detect auditory and balance problems at earlier timepoints, and (3) to improve treatment following exposures to ototoxicants. This presentation will highlight collaboration opportunities for health professionals with a focus on IOMG projects related to occupational ototoxicity research. Currently, no audiological testing guidelines exist for the identification of hearing impairments associated with ototoxic chemicals. The Environmental and Occupational Exposures Working Group of IOMG is reviewing ototoxicity research on solvents. Separate reviews on human and animal data are underway. Results indicate that novel audiological tests are needed because pure tone audiometry alone cannot capture the full extent of damage in the hearing system related to ototoxic solvents. These reviews will facilitate the development of consensus guidelines for workers exposed to potentially ototoxic chemicals and determine key research gaps.
Disclaimer: The views here belong to the authors and do not necessarily represent NIOSH, CDC, or NCRAR.