Parker Waichman LLP

Secondhand Smoke Linked to Hearing Loss

Only last week we reported that a news study had found children exposed to secondhand smoke in their homes are likelier to be diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Now, another emerging study has revealed that tobacco smoke exposure can double the risk for hearing loss in teenagers. This study is the first to […]

Only last week we reported that a news study had found children exposed to secondhand smoke in their homes are likelier to be diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Now, another emerging study has revealed that tobacco smoke exposure can double the risk for hearing loss in teenagers. This study is the first to point to this possible side effect of secondhand smoke.

The study appears in this month’s issue of Archives of Otolaryngology—Head & Neck Surgery and was conducted by New York University’s School of Medicine researchers.

“More than half of all children in the U.S. are exposed to secondhand smoke, so our finding that it can lead to hearing loss in teenagers has huge public health implications,” said Anil Lalwani, MD, professor of professor of otolaryngology, physiology and neuroscience, and pediatrics at NYU School of Medicine, according to a press release that appeared in Science Daily. Dr. Lalwani led the research. “We need to evaluate how we deal with smoking in public places and at home, as well as how often and when we screen children for hearing loss,” he added.

Secondhand smoke has been linked to a variety of health issues; contains over 4,000 substances, including over 50 known or suspected carcinogens; and is linked to many diseases in adults and children, such as sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), acute respiratory infections, middle ear disease, asthma, coronary heart disease, lung and sinus cancers, sinus problems, mental problems, and hearing loss. In addition to recent links to ADHD, smoking has been linked to colorectal cancer, creating damage in the body just minutes after inhaling for the first time, increasing risks for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease), and significantly increasing arterial stiffness in people as young as 18 to 3

Science Daily noted that living with a smoker increases risks for death from heart disease and lung cancer; children exposed to smoke can experience more severe asthma attacks and smoke is blamed for over 750,000 middle ear infections, citing the American Cancer Society.

Over 1,500 teens—aged 12-19—were participants in the nationwide research and selected from the 2005-06 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, according to Science Daily, which collects health information from children and adults in the U.S. The teens were first evaluated at home with a medical center follow-up involving hearing tests and blood tests for cotinine, a metabolite of nicotine, explained Science Daily.

The teens’ blood metabolite levels were measured and those exposed to secondhand smoke were likelier to experience sensorineural hearing loss, typically a result of cochlea problems, said Science Daily. The hearing loss seen was the type usually attributed to aging.

Teenagers exposed to smoke exhibited reduced auditory performance across each sound frequency tested, most specifically in the mid to high frequencies, which are critical to understanding speech; teens with increased cotinine levels—an indicator of increased exposure—were likelier to have what Science Daily described as one-sided-or unilateral-low-frequency hearing loss. According to the researchers, “tobacco smoke is independently associated with an almost 2-fold increase in the risk of hearing loss among adolescents.”

What Our Clients Say About Us
We have worked with thousands of clients and we appreciate them and their positive reviews. Here are just a few recent client reviews...
5 Star Reviews 150
I thank parker and waichman team for work so hard on my case Joonho hong, Josephine Burgess,Juila,joanne Stevens THANK YOU FOR A GREAT JOB IF I NEED ANOTHER TEAM IT WILL BE PARKER WAICHMAN HAPPY SUMMER
BRYANT LEE
5 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
The Office staff at Parker Waichman has been extremely responsive to all of my questions and concerns, someone is always checking in with me to see how we are feeling, how treatments are going, it puts your mind at rest and they don't allow you to stress out about the small details because they take care of all of them. I am very grateful to have Joanne, Jillian and Cristen helping my family through this. Even the reception staff are always cheerful and pleasant, it is such a pleasure speaking with them.
Kathy Oliva
8 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
Parker Waichman LLP helped me with my case. It all started with a visit from Jorge Peniche who was extremely professional, courteous and detailed with my case. All of my questions and concerns were addressed. I was provided with evidence, my emails, phone calls and inquiries were addressed in a timely fashion with great guidance and care. I am very grateful and appreciative as I had never been through this experience. They were great, a special thanks to Jorge Peniche, who was amazing, the lawyer in my case, Denny Tang and the nurse at the firm. Greatly appreciated. Kindly, Kathy
Kathy M
4 years ago

Why Choose Us to Help You?

We Take Care of Everything
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
No Recovery = No Legal Fees
We work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning that we only get paid from a portion of your settlement or jury award. If you don't get compensation, you owe us nothing.
Decades of Experience
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
Respected by Our Peers
Judges, insurance adjusters, and fellow attorneys all speak highly of our skills, and we've earned numerous accolades, including a flawless rating from AVVO.
We Have Many Locations To Serve You
We have the experience and the skilled litigators to win your case. Contact us and speak with a real attorney who can help you.
Long Island – Nassau
Parker Waichman LLP
6 Harbor Park Drive
Port Washington, NY 11050
Long Island – Suffolk
Parker Waichman LLP
201 Old Country Road – Suite 145
Melville, NY 11747
New York
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038
Queens
Parker Waichman LLP
118-35 Queens Boulevard, Suite 400
Forest Hills, NY 11375
Brooklyn
Parker Waichman LLP
300 Cadman Plaza West
One Pierrepont Plaza, 12th Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11201
New Jersey
Parker Waichman LLP
80 Main Street, Suite 265
West Orange, NJ 07052
Florida
Parker Waichman LLP
27299 Riverview Center Boulevard
Suite 108
Bonita Springs, FL 34134
Nationwide Service
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038