Noise levels ranged from 120 to 122 dB SPL during drilling in cortical bone and from 117 to 121 dB SPL during drilling in the mastoid cavity. There was no statistically significant difference between cutting and diamond burrs (p > 0.05). Noise levels during cochleostomy ranged from 116 to 131 dB SPL. Noise levels recorded in the round window exceeded 130 dB SPL when the endosteal membrane was touched by the burr. Noise levels generated by various types of suctions ranged from 100 to 129 dB SPL and a positive significant relation was found between noise and increased luminal diameter of the suction tip up to a diameter of 2 mm.

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Our method enabled recordings of radiated noise levels close to the drill ranging from 84 to 125 dB SPL during drilling in cortical bone and from 85 to 117 dB during drilling in the mastoid cavity. During cochleostomy noise levels ranged from 114 to 128 dB SPL when recordings were made close to the round window. Maximal noise levels were underestimated due to microphone overload above 80 Pa.

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