The chemicals in many household cleaners can harm your hearing. This is not a new revelation, but the dangers of these chemicals are often overlooked when they are used to clean our homes. While some people might think that using earplugs or turning up the volume on the TV will protect their hearing, this is not true. Earplugs only cover one side of your head and make it harder for you to hear what’s going on around you, while high volumes from TVs or stereos can damage your ears from prolonged exposure. The best way to protect yourself from these harmful chemicals is by wearing disposable gloves and safety goggles anytime you’re cleaning with any type of chemical cleaner.

Why Can Your Hearing Be Harmed By Certain Chemicals?

There are a number of reasons why your hearing can be harmed by chemicals. The first reason is that certain chemicals can cause damage to the cells in your ear. This type of damage can lead to a loss of hearing over time. Another reason why chemicals can harm your hearing is that they can interfere with how you hear sound. Chemicals can affect the way sound travels through your ear and into your brain. When this happens, it can make sounds seem louder or softer than they actually are. This type of interference can cause permanent damage to your hearing if it’s not treated. Finally, some chemicals can cause an allergic reaction in your ears. This reaction can lead to swelling and irritation in the inner ear canal. This can also lead to a loss of hearing if it’s not treated.

Chemicals That Can Harm Your Hearing

There are a number of different chemicals that can harm your hearing. Some of these chemicals include:

  • Ammonia: Ammonia is used in household cleaners, fertilizers, and chemical dyes. This chemical has the potential to cause damage to your inner ear which can result in hearing loss. The first step should be to limit exposure by wearing safety gear such as gloves when using this product. If you are exposed, remove contaminated clothing immediately and rinse skin with soap/water for at least 15 minutes before seeking medical attention.
  • Chlorine: Swimming is a great way to stay fit and have fun, but it’s important to be aware of the risks involved. Chlorine and ammonia can both cause damage to your ears, leading to hearing loss. In fact, chlorine is one of the most common causes of swimmer’s ear.
  • Detergent: Detergent is a common household cleaner that can be found in both liquid and powdered forms. It is used to clean dishes, clothes, carpets, and other surfaces. Detergent contains chemicals that can be harmful to your hearing. These chemicals include ammonia and chlorine bleach.
  • Engine Oil: You might not think of engine oil as a harmful substance, but it can be damaging to your hearing. Engine oil contains many chemicals that can harm your hearing, including lead and benzene. These chemicals can cause permanent damage to your ears, leading to hearing loss.
  • Gasoline: Gasoline is a harmful chemical that can cause long-term damage to your hearing. When you are exposed to gasoline, the fumes can travel through your nose and throat and into your ears. The gas can also irritate your skin and eyes. Over time, this exposure can lead to permanent hearing loss.
  • Hair dye: If you’re like most people, you enjoy changing your hair color every so often. Whether it’s to cover up gray hairs or just to try out a new look, hair dye is a popular way to change up your style. But what if we told you that the chemicals in hair dye could be harming your hearing? Hair dyes contain many harmful chemicals that can damage your ears over time. Some of these chemicals include ammonia and peroxide, both of which are known to cause hearing loss. Ammonia can also cause irritation and inflammation of the ear canal, while peroxide can lead to permanent damage to the eardrums.

What to Do if You Experience Hearing Loss

Hearing loss presents in a number of ways, from difficulty hearing women and children to struggling to communicate in background noise. If you or a loved one begins experiencing symptoms of hearing loss, schedule an appointment with a hearing instrument specialist in your area to be evaluated. Reach out to The Hearing Guy office at (828) 333-5781 to learn more!