Does chemical exposure in the workplace affect hearing?

18 March 2015

With one in six Australians recording some form of auditory loss, a new study by the University of Queensland is examining how exposure to chemicals in the workplace can affect employee hearing.
Led by Dr Adrian Fuente of the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, the study aims to identify the most effective hearing tests to detect problems caused by chemical exposure, and the safe levels of exposure to maintain healthy hearing at work.

UQ Audiology School
Study audiology at the University of Queensland

Dr Fuente said certain occupations were more at risk than others, including painters, spray-painters, those working in textile, clothing and footwear factories, and aviation and lab workers.
“While much is known about the dangers of noise exposure in the workplace, the public is often unaware of the role that certain chemicals can play in causing early hearing loss,” Dr Fuente said.
“Hearing loss is relevant to many Australians and it affects not just the individual, but also their family, friends and co-workers.
“It can also cause isolation, including avoidance of social situations, problems communicating at work and miscommunication at home.”
The study is currently seeking employees working in the painting, spray-painting, textiles, clothing, aviation and jet fuel, footwear and histology labs industries to participate in the research.
As part of the study, participants will have their hearing tested via non-invasive procedures.
“There is still not enough understanding of which levels of chemical exposure are safe for our ears,” Dr Fuente said.
“I encourage people working in these industries to participate in this vital research, the outcomes of which could have a definitive impact on the Australian workplace in the pursuit of healthy hearing for all.”

About the UQ Audiology School

The University of Queensland’s Master of Audiology Studies program allows students to acquire the scientific expertise and fundamental clinical skills required to become a professional audiologist. The Master of Audiology Studies program at UQ offers clinical placements at the outset of the program to ensure that its students are always developing the professional skills needed to succeed in a clinical setting.
Program: Master of Audiology Studies
Location: Brisbane, Queensland
Semester intake: February
Duration: 2 years
Application deadline: September 30, 2015

Apply to the University of Queensland Audiology School!

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Find out more about UQ Audiology School entry requirements, application deadlines, tuition fees, and scholarships! Contact OzTREKK’s Australian Audiology Schools Admissions Officer Jaime Notman at jaime@oztrekk.com or call 1-866-698-7355.

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