The presence of excess noise has been associated with occupational hearing loss, which is the most common work-related injury in the United States (CDC, 2012). Over 22 million workers in the US are exposed to hazardous levels of noise in their work place. Additionally, there are many ototoxic chemicals that can attributed to the damage to the parts of the ear that are associated with hearing such as: toluene, styrene, xylene and can be synergistic with mechanical stress to the ear (USAPHC, n.d.). Carbon monoxide has been shown to enhance the severity of hearing loss. Minimizing exposure to degreasers, paint thinners, white spirits, exhaust can reduce the severity of mechanical hearing loss. The National Institute for Occupational Safety
