Experts are investigating whether chemical exposure in the workplace can affect hearing.

With one in six Australians recording some form of auditory loss, a new study is examining how exposure to chemicals in the workplace could play a role.

The project will find the most effective hearing tests to detect problems caused by chemical exposure, and the safe levels of exposure to maintain healthy hearing at work.

Dr Adrian Fuente of the University of Queensland’s School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences says certain occupations are more at risk than others, including painters, spray-painters, those working in textile, clothing and footwear factories, and aviation and lab workers.

The researchers are 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.”

Anyone interested in participating in the study can contact UQ’s This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..