Jump to main content
US EPA
United States Environmental Protection Agency
Search
Search
Main menu
Environmental Topics
Laws & Regulations
About EPA
Health & Environmental Research Online (HERO)
Contact Us
Print
Feedback
Export to File
Search:
This record has one attached file:
Add More Files
Attach File(s):
Display Name for File*:
Save
Citation
Tags
HERO ID
3063454
Reference Type
Journal Article
Title
Xylene-induced auditory dysfunction in humans
Author(s)
Fuente, A; McPherson, B; Cardemil, F
Year
2013
Is Peer Reviewed?
Yes
Journal
Ear and Hearing
ISSN:
0196-0202
EISSN:
1538-4667
Volume
34
Issue
5
Page Numbers
651-660
Language
English
PMID
23598724
DOI
10.1097/AUD.0b013e31828d27d7
Web of Science Id
WOS:000324052800014
Abstract
OBJECTIVES:
Animal data indicate that xylene induces cochlear dysfunction, characterized by the loss of outer hair cells. There is little evidence regarding xylene-induced ototoxicity in humans. The aim of the study was to investigate the possible adverse effects of xylene on the peripheral and central auditory system in humans.
DESIGN:
A total of 30 medical laboratory workers who had been exposed to a mixture of xylene isomers, together with 30 nonexposed control participants matched for gender, age, and educational level were selected. Participants of both groups were not exposed to noise levels above 85 dBA time-weighted average. All participants were evaluated with a comprehensive audiological test battery, which included measures of peripheral and central auditory function. Peripheral auditory measures included pure-tone audiometry and distortion product otoacoustic emissions. Behavioral measures of central auditory function included a pitch pattern sequence test, an adaptive test of temporal resolution, a dichotic digit test, and a masking level difference test. The auditory brainstem response was used to objectively evaluate the function of the auditory pathways at the brainstem level. Speech perception in quiet and in noise was evaluated using the Hearing In Noise Test (HINT). The xylene-exposed participants were extensively evaluated with regard to their exposure to both noise and xylene. Noise dosimetry was conducted over an 8-hr work shift to obtain noise-exposure levels for each xylene-exposed worker. Airborne xylene concentrations were obtained at 11 different workstations throughout the medical laboratories, and methyl hippuric acid levels per gram of creatinine in urine were obtained for each xylene-exposed subject. Finally, a detailed interview exploring current and past solvent and noise exposure was conducted.
RESULTS:
The xylene-exposed participants showed significantly worse pure-tone thresholds in comparison with the nonexposed participants. The xylene-exposed participants demonstrated significantly worse results than the control group participants for the pitch pattern sequence test, dichotic digit test, HINT, and the auditory brainstem response (absolute and interpeak latencies). No significant differences between the xylene-exposed and nonexposed participants were observed for distortion product otoacoustic emissions, adaptive test of temporal resolution, or the masking level difference test. A significant correlation between the concentrations of methyl hippuric acid in urine and pure-tone thresholds (2 to 8 kHz) was found in xylene-exposed workers. Also, participants with high cumulative dose of xylene exposure presented with poorer test results than participants with low cumulative dose of xylene exposure.
CONCLUSIONS:
The results of the present research suggest that xylene is associated with adverse central auditory effects and poorer sound detection abilities in humans. A major limitation of the study is that the results found among xylene-exposed participants cannot be proved to be permanent, and thus further research should be conducted to clarify this limitation. Workers exposed to this chemical should be routinely evaluated with a comprehensive audiological test battery, to detect early signs of auditory dysfunction.
Tags
IRIS
•
Trimethylbenzenes (Interagency Science Discussion Draft)
SAB References
Cited
Cited August 2016
Cited Toxicological Review
Cited Supplemental Information
Home
Learn about HERO
Using HERO
Search HERO
Projects in HERO
Risk Assessment
Transparency & Integrity