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. 2016 Nov-Dec;18(85):347-354.
doi: 10.4103/1463-1741.195809.

Prevalence of tinnitus and noise-induced hearing loss in dentists

Jamie Myers  1 , Andrew B John  1 , Suzanne Kimball  1 , Terry Fruits  2
Affiliations

Prevalence of tinnitus and noise-induced hearing loss in dentists

Jamie Myers et al. Noise Health. 2016 Nov-Dec.

Abstract

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to evaluate noise levels in dental offices and to estimate the risk and prevalence of tinnitus and noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) in practicing dentists.

Materials and methods: First, measures were collected of sound pressure levels produced by dental handpieces and dental suction in the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center (OUHSC) College of Dentistry. Second, a survey was distributed to members of the Oklahoma Dental Association (ODA).

Results: Measurements made in the dental operatory revealed dangerous levels when high-volume suction was in use alone and in conjunction with a dental handpiece. Questionnaire results suggested that practicing dentists report sensorineural hearing loss at a rate broadly in line with national averages. However, dentists reported a higher prevalence of tinnitus symptoms than would be expected based on sample demographics.

Conclusion: Results from sound level measurements and questionnaire responses indicate that dentists are a population that could be placing their hearing health at risk in a typical daily work environment.

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Conflict of interest statement

There are no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Dental training operatory and simulation mannequins used for noise measurement
Figure 2
Figure 2
Average A-weighted sound pressure level for five dental handpieces and suction
Figure 3
Figure 3
Diagram of dental training operatory with A-weighted sound pressure measurements
Figure 4
Figure 4
Percentage of respondents reporting tinnitus and self-rating of tinnitus severity
Figure 5
Figure 5
Percentage of respondents reporting tinnitus and self-rating of tinnitus as constant or intermittent
Figure 6
Figure 6
Self-reported average use of suction with or without dental handpiece in hours per day
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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