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. 2017 Sep-Dec;7(3):182-187.
doi: 10.1016/j.jobcr.2017.06.003. Epub 2017 Jul 1.

Noise levels and sound pollution associated with various operative procedures and equipments in a pediatric dental environment-A clinical study

Mousumi Goswami  1 , Darrel Singh  1 , Binny Vashist  1 , Sugandha Marwaha  1
Affiliations

Noise levels and sound pollution associated with various operative procedures and equipments in a pediatric dental environment-A clinical study

Mousumi Goswami et al. J Oral Biol Craniofac Res. 2017 Sep-Dec.

Erratum in

Abstract

Aim: To analyse sound levels and sound pollution in a Pediatric Dental Clinic and to analyse whether the levels are significant to the extent of being a health hazard.

Methods: Noise levels were measured in a Pediatric dental clinic in an institutional setting with a precision noise level meter ((HTC 1350). Recordings were taken at different times of the day, at the centre, chair-side, reception, play area and four corners of the department keeping the microphone at a distance of 6 in. from the operator's ear. The noise levels of various equipments i.e. suction, micromotor, airotor were measured with the equipments turned on and during cutting operations with the microphone placed at a distance of 6 in. from the sound source. The sound levels for the laboratory equipments were taken at a distance of 6 in. and 2 m.

Results: The highest mean sound levels were recorded at the reception, play area and chair-side area with least mean sound levels recorded at 9:00am which increased at 11:30am & 2:00pm and reduced again at 3:30pm The maximum sounds were produced by the lathe trimmer, airotor and scaler.

Conclusion: Noise levels in a pediatric clinic approach the level of risk of hearing loss [85 db(A)]. This would have a serious effect on both providers and patients and a concerted effort would be required to control the noise levels and thus avoid the potential health hazards that it poses.

Keywords: Health hazards; Noise level; Sound level meter; Sound pollution.

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