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7754893 
Journal Article 
Abstract 
Assessment of the occupational ototoxicity of n-hexane 
Vyskocil, A; Leroux, T; Truchon, G; Lemay, F; Gendron, M; Gagnon, F; El Majidi, N; Viau, C 
2008 
1 
Toxicology Letters
ISSN: 0378-4274
EISSN: 1879-3169 
180 
S150-S150 
English 
WOS:000259252100483 
The ability of chemicals to produce hearing loss themselves or to promote noise-induced hearing loss has been demonstrated for some organic solvents. The objective of this study was to review the literature on the effects of low-level exposure to n-hexane on the auditory system and consider its relevance for the occupational settings. Both human and animal investigations were evaluated only for realistic exposure concentrations based on the permissible exposure limits. In Quebec, the Time-Weighed Average Exposure Value (TWAEV) for 8 h is 50 ppm. In humans, the upper limit for considering ototoxicity data relevant to the occupational exposure situation was set at 5 times the TWAEV. Animal data were evaluated only for exposure concentrations up to 100 times the TWAEV. There is no convincing evidence of n-hexane-induced hearing losses in workers. In rats, n-hexane seems to affect the auditory function. However, the site of these alterations cannot be determined from the present data. Further studies with sufficient data on the n-hexane exposure of workers are necessary to make a definitive conclusion. In the interim, we recommend considering n-hexane as a possibly ototoxic agent.