Study Suggests Link With Chemicals

An injury lawyer at Irwin Mitchell has called for further research to be carried out which could help to cut the number of employees who suffer deafness as a result of their working environment.

Mark Allen, an associate director at the national law firm, said that research released across the past year has offered valuable insights into how a variety of issues can affect workers who suffer hearing problems.

Among the studies highlighted by the expert was work by Spanish researchers, which highlighted that the presence of chemicals can interact with noise and affect how industrial deafness can manifest itself.

It highlighted that those exposed to noise in areas where metalworking fluids are present tend to see a delay in hearing alteration compared to those just exposed to noise. In addition those who suffered noise exposure in the presence of welding fumes show an increased alteration.

Commenting on the findings, Mark Allen said: “These findings highlight that industrial deafness and the onset of it remain an area where there is still much to be learnt.

“It is concerning that this research has suggested a link between chemicals and the condition, but this just goes reinforce the importance of providing workers with the correct protective equipment when working closely with both chemicals and in noisy environments.

“Workers should be able to go to work and back home without facing any risks to their health and it is vital that employers treat industrial deafness as seriously as possible.”