Approaches to managing ototoxicity in the workplace.
Thais C Morata, Krystin Carlson, Adrian Fuente and 9 others
PMID 40516095WHAT IT FOUND
Expert consensus proposes a six-step workplace protocol for managing ototoxicity.
It combines self-report questionnaires with auditory and vestibular screening to detect damage that standard pure-tone audiometry often misses, guiding referrals and exposure controls.
Key findings
01Standard pure-tone audiometry alone is insufficient for early detection of ototoxicity, so the protocol pairs it with self-report questionnaires.
02Central auditory tests like the Dichotic Digits Test are recommended because they do not require baseline comparisons and can detect solvent effects missed by standard thresholds.
03Referrals for clinical care are triggered by either self-report data or screening results, with combined evidence providing stronger indication for follow-up.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for PTsWhat it means for OTsWhat it means for SLPs
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What it does not show
This is a consensus document based on expert opinion and literature review, not a study of patient outcomes or intervention efficacy. There is no single best method for detecting ototoxic damage, so the recommended tests are part of a multi-pronged approach rather than a definitive diagnostic tool. The protocol is flexible by design, which means implementation may vary widely depending on available resources and local regulations. The evidence base for some specific tests in occupational settings is limited, with some recommendations based on assumptions that mechanisms of injury are similar to those seen with ototoxic medications.
Declared interests
The authors reported no potential conflicts of interest.
The easy way to misread this
Do not treat this protocol as evidence that these specific tests prevent hearing loss. It is a proposed framework for monitoring and management, not a validated clinical trial outcome.
Summarised by AI from the full paper, without a clinician reviewing it. Check it against the source before it changes what you do. Read it on PubMed →