The association of bisphenol A and paraben exposure with sensorineural hearing loss in children

Chia Huang Chang, Chun Ting Lu, Tai Ling Chen, Wen Tzu Huang, Pao Chuan Torng, Chen Wei Chang, Yu Chun Chen, Yu Lin Yu, Yung Ning Chuang

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

4 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Bisphenol A (BPA) and parabens (PBs) are chemicals that are extensively used in personal care products (PCPs). In early childhood development, hearing is critical to speech and language development, communication, and learning. In vitro and in vivo, BPA/PBs exhibited neurotoxicity through elevated levels of oxidative stress. BPA also has the potential to be an ototoxicant. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the association of exposure to BPA/PBs with sensorineural hearing loss in children. A cross-sectional study based on hearing tests was conducted. This study enrolled 320 children aged 6–12 years from elementary school. Urinary BPA and PB concentrations were analyzed by using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS). Logistic regression models were employed to determine the association of BPA/PB exposure with sensorineural hearing loss. Children with sensorineural hearing loss had higher BPA concentrations than normal-hearing children (0.22 ng/ml vs. 0.10 ng/ml, p = 0.05). After adjustment for covariates, the risk of hearing loss at middle frequencies reached 1.83-fold (95% CI: 1.12–2.99) when BPA concentrations increased by 1 log10. The risk of slight hearing loss reached 2.24-fold (95% CI: 1.05–4.78) when children had a tenfold increase in ethyl paraben (EP) concentration. This study clarifies the role of exposure to BPA/PBs in hearing loss in children. Future research needs to be expanded to include cohort designs and nationwide studies to identify causality.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)100552-100561
Number of pages10
JournalEnvironmental Science and Pollution Research
Volume30
Issue number45
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2023

Keywords

  • Bisphenol A
  • Parabens
  • Pediatric hearing
  • Sensorineural hearing loss

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Environmental Chemistry
  • Pollution
  • Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis

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