Noise levels, noise annoyance, and hearing-related problems in a dental college

Ahmed, Hafsa; Ali, Wesal Jasim

doi:10.1080/19338244.2016.1179169

Cited by 18 publications

(24 citation statements)

References 15 publications

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“…In a prospective study, Nelson et al [9] could not demonstrate lasting hearing loss due to ear canal suctioning, and Katzke et al confirmed this finding [40, 41]. However, noise-induced hearing impairment may be more common than normally assumed [42], as the deterioration of hearing is hard to detect in the high-frequency range [43–45].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Modifications of Surgical Suction Tip Geometry for Flow Optimisation: Influence on Suction-Induced Noise Pollution

Friedrich

Tirilomis

Kollmeier

et al. 2018

Surgery Research and Practice

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Introduction Suction devices for clearing the surgical field are among the most commonly used tools of every surgeon because a better view of the surgical field is essential. Forced suction may produce disturbingly loud noise, which acts as a nonnegligible stressor. Especially, in emergency situations with heavy bleeding, this loud noise has been described as an impeding factor in the medical decision-making process. In addition, there are reports of inner ear damage in patients due to suction noises during operations in the head area. These problems have not been solved yet. The purpose of this study was to analyse flow-dependent suction noise effects of different surgical suction tips. Furthermore, we developed design improvements to these devices. Methods We compared five different geometries of suction tips using an in vitro standardised setup. Two commercially available standard suction tips were compared to three adapted new devices regarding their flow-dependent (10–2000 mL/min) noise emission (dB, weighting filter (A), distance 10 cm) and acoustic quality of resulting noises (Hamilton fast Fourier analysis) during active suction at the liquid-air boundary. Noise maps at different flow rates were created for all five suction devices, and the proportion of extracted air was measured. The geometries of the three custom-made suction tips (new models 1, 2, and 3) were designed considering the insights after determining the key characteristics of the two standard suction models. Results The geometry of a suction device tip has significant impact on its noise emission. For the standard models, the frequency spectrum at higher flow rates significantly changes to high-frequency noise patterns (>3 kHz). A number of small side holes designed to prevent tissue adhesion lead to increased levels of high-frequency noise. Due to modifications of the tip geometry in our new models, we are able to achieve a highly significant reduction of noise level at low flow rates (new model 2 vs. standard models p < 0.001) and also the acoustic quality improved. Additionally, we attain a highly significant reduction of secondary air intake (new model 2 vs. the other models p < 0.001). Conclusion Improving flow-relevant features of the geometry of suction heads is a suitable way to reduce noise emissions. Optimized suction tips are significantly quieter. This may help us to reduce noise-induced hearing damage in patients as well as stress of medical staff during surgery and should lead to quieter operation theatres overall. Furthermore, the turbulence reduction and reduced secondary air intake during the suction process are expected to result in protective effects on the collected blood and thus could improve the quality of autologous blood retransfusions. We are on the way to evaluate potential benefits.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Modifications of Surgical Suction Tip Geometry for Flow Optimisation: Influence on Suction-Induced Noise Pollution

Friedrich

Tirilomis

Kollmeier

et al. 2018

Surgery Research and Practice

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“…1,2 Noise in dental settings is generated by both dental sources (e.g., handpieces, suction tubes, turbines, ultrasonic scalers and cutting machines) and non-dental sources (e.g., phone ring, talking, broadcasting and air conditioner). Many previous studies reported that noise levels in dental settings were mostly higher than 65 dB(A) and even reached up to 99 dB(A) in dental clinics and laboratories, 3,4 while some other studies reported much lower noise levels approximately from 55 dB(A) to 65 dB(A). 5,6 The intensity of noise exposure is normally different among different occupations, e.g., dentists, dental surgery assistants (DSA) and laboratory technicians.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 95%

Noise level and its influences on dental professionals in a dental hospital in Hong Kong

Mak

Wong

2017

Building Services Engineering Research and Technology

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Noise is recognized as one of the major indoor environmental issues in dental settings. This study presents the noise measurements and questionnaire surveys conducted in the clinics for pediatric dentistry and laboratories in the Prince Philip Dental Hospital in Hong Kong. Noise level and octave noise spectrum were measured at 60 locations distributed around the working areas. Totally, 60 valid questionnaires were collected, of which 30 were completed by dental surgery assistants and 30 by laboratory technicians. Data were coded and analyzed statistically using SPSS 19.0. The average noise levels in the dental clinics and laboratories were 62.6 dB(A) and 67.7 dB(A), respectively, which are well below the limit of 85 dB(A) for causing hearing loss. Statistical analysis shows that there is a significant difference in hearing status (condition of hearing ability) between different gender, age and occupation groups. Among others, noise generated by the equipment operated by others presents a principal influence on dental professionals. Importantly, suddenness and frequency of noise occurrence, rather than noise level, produce a significant influence on dental works. Most dental professionals work routinely and do not take any precautions or actions against noise at work. Practical application: The findings of this study should first increase the understanding of acoustical environment in dental settings for clinicians and its influence on dental professionals and second help designers and engineers improve the acoustical environment in dental settings.

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“…A minority of the students (10%) reported that they think they will develop hearing loss. The study recommended that students should materials to minimize noise levels especially during the lab work (Ahmed & Ali, 2017) 1 .…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Assessment of Ambient Noise Exposure among Medical Staff in Dental Clinics Center of Dammam Medical Complex, Saudi Arabia

Shanqiti

Abugad

Salama

2020

Journal of Ecophysiology and Occupational Health

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Noise levels, noise annoyance, and hearing-related problems in a dental college

Cited by 18 publications

References 15 publications

Modifications of Surgical Suction Tip Geometry for Flow Optimisation: Influence on Suction-Induced Noise Pollution

Modifications of Surgical Suction Tip Geometry for Flow Optimisation: Influence on Suction-Induced Noise Pollution

Noise level and its influences on dental professionals in a dental hospital in Hong Kong

Assessment of Ambient Noise Exposure among Medical Staff in Dental Clinics Center of Dammam Medical Complex, Saudi Arabia

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