Healthcare Professionals and Noise-Generating Tools: Challenging Assumptions about Hearing Loss Risk

Alberti, Giuseppe; Portelli, Daniele; Galletti, Cosimo

doi:10.3390/ijerph20156520

Cited by 3 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 35 publications

(54 reference statements)

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“…Auditory problems due to noise include various levels of hearing loss. Noise-induced hearing loss can be caused by an intense impulse sound occurring once (such as a gunfire or explosion) [6], or by steady long-term exposure to noise levels higher than LA 75-85 dB-e.g., in industrial settings, including healthcare [7] and dental units [8]. World Health Organization (WHO) reports that 10% of the world's population is exposed to sound Appl.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Evaluation of Noise Levels in a University Dental Clinic

Antoniadou,

Tziovara,

Konstantopoulou

2023

Applied Sciences

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Noise levels in a dental office can be produced by different specialty instruments. Exposure to high levels of noise (unwanted sounds) may cause auditory and non-auditory health problems in dentists. The aim of this study was to (a) measure the noise levels within different clinics and laboratories of the Department of Dentistry, School of Health Sciences of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, (b) promote information sharing on this serious health issue among stakeholders, and (c) collect data to organize preventive measures for students and personnel (faculty members, collaborators, administrative, and technical staff). Since the study did not apply to acoustics and acoustic measurements, a digital sound level meter and noise-integrating dosimeters with an analogue electronic transducer were used to collect data from certain postgraduate (PG) and undergraduate (UG) clinics and laboratories (LAB) during peak working periods and with a duration of 1 h per clinic/lab. Both personal (dosimeters) and static (area monitoring) noise exposure assessments were evaluated, resulting in various teaching-related activities in dental clinics. At all locations, the maximum exposure limit value of 87 dB(A) was not exceeded. However, chairside personal measurements during ultrasonic work revealed that the lower exposure action value of 80 dB(A) was exceeded. PG clinics were noisier than UG. LAB training settings, even with the new equipment, were close to the upper exposure limit due to the simultaneous use of airotors. In this context, targeted research and investigations into measures are proposed to safeguard the health and safety of students during their duties at the dental school.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Evaluation of Noise Levels in a University Dental Clinic

Antoniadou,

Tziovara,

Konstantopoulou

2023

Applied Sciences

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Open-fitting hearing aids: a comparative analysis between open behind-the-ear and open completely-in-the-canal instant-fit devices

Alberti,

Portelli,

Loteta

et al. 2024

Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol

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The Social Impact of Hearing Loss Associated with Clinical Practice Among University Students and Dental Professionals: Systematic Review

Quinde-Alvear,

Avila-Calle,

Pulgarin-Fernández

et al. 2024

RGSA

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Objective: The objective of this study was to estimate the social impact of hearing loss associated with clinical practice on university students and dental professionals. Theoretical Framework: Hearing loss is a significant concern in various industries, but its association with clinical practice in dentistry has received less attention; even so, the use of high-speed equipment and tools would generate noise levels that could exceed the limits recommended and permitted by the WHO (World Health Organization). Method: The methodology adopted for this systematic review used the criteria of the PRISMA-SCR report, by means of which an extensive search was carried out without language limits and published from March 2019 to March 2024. Results and Discussion: Hearing pollution in university and non-university dental clinics is high due to the permanent contact with various acoustic sources of pollution; therefore, its prolonged use could cause damage in the short and long term. Research Implications: Hearing loss would not only impair the clinician's physical/clinical capabilities but would also have a great social impact on dental professionals and people around them; thus, hearing loss could lead to social anxiety and stigmatization, especially in settings where hearing is perceived as a crucial part of communication. Originality/Value: In this article, several basic recommendations for reducing hearing pollution in dental clinics worldwide are presented.

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Healthcare Professionals and Noise-Generating Tools: Challenging Assumptions about Hearing Loss Risk

Cited by 3 publications

References 35 publications

Evaluation of Noise Levels in a University Dental Clinic

Evaluation of Noise Levels in a University Dental Clinic

Open-fitting hearing aids: a comparative analysis between open behind-the-ear and open completely-in-the-canal instant-fit devices

The Social Impact of Hearing Loss Associated with Clinical Practice Among University Students and Dental Professionals: Systematic Review

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