Air Pollution and the Auditory System at Risk: A Narrative Review

Nasrin  Gohari; Zahra Hosseini  Dastgerdi; Aylin  Mellati; Seyede Faranak  Emami

doi:10.18502/avr.v34i3.18459

Nasrin Gohari Hearing Disorders Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
Zahra Hosseini Dastgerdi Department of Audiology, School of Rehabilitation, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
Aylin Mellati Department of Audiology, School of Rehabilitation, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
Seyede Faranak Emami Hearing Disorders Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/avr.v34i3.18459

Keywords: Air pollution; auditory system; central auditory nervous system; hearing loss; otitis media; sudden sensory neural hearing loss

Abstract

Background and Aim: Air pollution has a negative impact on various body systems, including auditory system. The aim of this study was to provide a comprehensive review of research investigating the effects of air pollution on various levels of the auditory system, including peripheral and central components, as well as related cognitive processing and associated disorders.

Recent Findings: Air pollution includes a diverse and complex mixture of chemicals, particulate matter or biological substances in ambient air. Air pollution can be harmful to humans and other living things. It has become a major environmental concern in recent decades, especially in developing and industrialized countries. There is a lot of evidence showing that air pollution can harm different parts of the body, like the lungs, heart, brain, and ears. Hearing loss is the second most common non-infectious disorder, and its effects can lead to serious issues in communication, speech, language, education, social interactions, finances, and mental well-being.

Conclusion: This study examines various research studies that link air pollution to hearing problems, highlighting how air pollutants can harm different aspects of the auditory system.