{"id":2261,"date":"2023-12-07T17:33:13","date_gmt":"2023-12-07T22:33:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/entnova.com\/?p=2261"},"modified":"2023-12-12T12:14:38","modified_gmt":"2023-12-12T17:14:38","slug":"how-to-identify-hearing-safe-household-cleaners","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/entnova.com\/how-to-identify-hearing-safe-household-cleaners\/","title":{"rendered":"How To Identify Hearing-Safe Household Cleaners"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

When it comes to health and safety, we often prioritize factors like nutrition, exercise and mental well-being. Hearing safety is usually overlooked. You may not realize standard household cleaners can be one of the things that jeopardize your hearing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to the CDC, certain chemicals, known as ototoxicants, or ototoxic chemicals, can harm various parts of the ear<\/a>, resulting in hearing loss<\/a>. In some instances, chemical exposure can increase the sensitivity of ears to noise-related damage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ototoxic Chemicals<\/h2>\n\n\n
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\"Household<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

There are numerous chemicals in our household that contain ototoxicants capable of damaging our hearing. The degree of hearing loss caused by ototoxic chemicals depends on how often, how much and how long you\u2019re exposed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Exposure can occur through inhalation, ingestion via contaminated food and beverages or by being absorbed through the skin. Once in the bloodstream, these chemicals can harm the inner ear and the nerves responsible for transmitting sound to the brain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hazardous chemicals include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022 Benzene\u2014found in plastics, paints, cleaning products<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022 Carbon disulfide\u2014used in pesticides<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022 Carbon monoxide\u2014emitted by vehicles, gas-powered tools<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022 Styrene\u2014used in plastics<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022 Toluene\u2014found in paints, adhesives<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022 Xylene\u2014present in paints, paint thinners<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022 Trichloroethylene\u2014used in paints, pesticides, rug and spot cleaners<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Knowing which chemicals are harmful enables you to make informed choices when purchasing cleaning supplies from grocers such as Market 365.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Avoiding Exposure<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Several measures can be taken to prevent exposure and safeguard your hearing from chemical-induced damage. Always read the labels on solvents and cleaning products when shopping and select safer alternatives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other ways to avoid exposure include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022 Using personal protective equipment (PPE), such as masks, goggles, and gloves, when handling products containing hazardous chemicals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022 Enhancing ventilation in the areas where you’re working and storing these chemicals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022 Appropriately disposing of chemicals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For more information on hearing loss or to schedule a hearing test,<\/a> please contact ENT Specialists Of Northern Virginia<\/span>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n