Hearing loss can come from environmental factors such as noise damage. But exposure to poisonous substances can also cause major hearing damage in children and adults alike.
This article covers some of the main dangers of cadmium and lead exposure. These are both heavy metals that can result in hearing impairments.
Cadmium and Hearing Loss
Cadmium causes respiratory issues, and it can damage the bones and the kidneys. It is linked to risks of lung cancer.
How does it impact our hearing? Scientists say that cadmium causes hair cell death (apoptosis). Thus, it gradually raises your hearing threshold.
Lead and Hearing Loss
Lead poisoning is extremely dangerous, especially to children. It primarily impacts the brain, and it can cause major developmental delays.
Like cadmium, lead can damage our hair cells. Additionally, it can harm the nerves that take part in the hearing process.
How to Prevent Cadmium and Lead Exposure
Research proves that cadmium and lead exposure can increase the risk of hearing damage in adults and adolescents. Children are in danger as well. So what can we do about it?
First, some people are exposed to these heavy metals at work. Smelting and electroplating can expose you to cadmium. Lead can affect construction workers, welders, and painters.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration can offer guidance to workers who have to deal with cadmium or lead. In some cases, the answer is getting new equipment or renovating factory buildings.
Outside of work, the highest risk of cadmium exposure comes from smoking. Additionally, some foods are high in cadmium, including leafy vegetables and nuts.
Lead exposure can come from living in old buildings since paints used to be lead-heavy. If too much lead enters the bloodstream, long-term effects are inevitable. This heavy metal can be fatal as well, so it’s important to look out for early signs of lead exposure.
