Smokers ‘unaware of link between second-hand smoke and hearing loss’

Smokers are not currently well-informed about the link between passive smoking and hearing loss, according to a public health body.

Charity organisation Action on Smoking and Health (Ash) has stated that it remains a challenge to communicate to smokers the full range of harmful effects caused by their habit to those in the vicinity.

This comes in response to recent research published in the journal Tobacco Control, showing that second-hand smoke exposure is significantly associated with a risk of hearing loss at various frequencies.

Martin Dockrell, director of policy and research at Ash, stated that most people are now aware of the serious nature of the hazard posed by passive smoking, which he said "makes a difference".

He suggested that legislative action to criminalise activities such as smoking in cars is now attracting "very wide support" due to the harmful effects that this can have on children's health.

Mr Dockrell also noted the important role played by products such as nicotine gum and inhalers in helping to combat passive smoking.