Noise-induced hearing loss in the military dental setting: a UK legislative perspective

Abstract

IntroductionHealth professionals working in the dental environment are potentially at risk of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) due to the use of clinical and laboratory equipment. Workplaces engaging in the practice of dentistry within the UK are subject to legislation from the Control of Noise at Work (CNW) regulations 2005. Clinicians working in the military are at further increased risk of NIHL due to exposure from additional risk factors such as rifles or aircraft engines. To our knowledge, no authors have previously studied the noise levels experienced in a military dental setting or compared noise levels in a typical dental practice with current UK legislation.MethodMeasurements of noise levels experienced by a dentist, dental nurse and dental hygienist during a standard conservation procedure were assessed using wearable noise dose-badges. Furthermore, noise levels within a dental technician’s work space were also assessed. Noise levels produced by representative clinical and laboratory equipment were assessed and compared with CNW legislation.ResultsThe highest level for clinical equipment was produced by the suction apparatus while aspirating up a cup of water at 76 dB. For laboratory equipment, the lower exposure action value (LEAV) of 80 dB would be exceeded in 2.1 hours’ use of the trimmer, 3.6 hours’ use of the vibrating table and 9 min use of the airline.ConclusionsNoise levels experienced by clinicians within the dental surgery were well below the legislative LEAV thresholds for both peak and continuous noise. However, noise levels produced by laboratory equipment were far higher and there is clearly the potential for excessive noise exposure for dental professional in the everyday setting. Dental professionals responsible for dental laboratory settings must be familiar with the CNW regulations and measures put in place that control the inadvertent breach of legislation. Hearing protection must be mandated when using equipment that exceeds the LEAV and an educational programme is required to explain both their correct use and the rationale behind it. Methods of mitigating that risk further require exploration such as alternative methods of completing the tasks performed by the airline or reducing the noise generated by it, such as by reducing the supply pressure or using an alternative nozzle design.

Prevention of noise-induced hearing loss by rational appointment algorithm in periodontal, restorative and prosthetic treatments: A method study

“…Annual total exposure dose follow-up is performed for occupational diseases such as radiation, where side effects are seen in a short time. 25 Annual screening has been recommended for NIHL, but its use has not been widely accepted 6,[26][27][28] Various studies have been carried out in clinics for more efficient patient admission, less waiting time, or more patient satisfaction. 19,20 In these studies, dentists and their staff work harder and are exposed to more occupational noise.…”

Niveles de ruido generados en procedimientos realizados en una facultad de odontología

“…Los profesionales del área de odontología en su ejercicio clínico se encuentran expuestos de forma permanente a ruidos generados a partir de aparatos rotatorios que se utilizan en el ejercicio de la práctica clínica tales como la pieza de alta, micromotores, turbinas, entre otros, considerando además que la exposición a éstas fuentes ruidosas inicia desde el proceso de formación en las prácticas profesionales 9 . La evidencia científica demuestra que el umbral de audición de los profesionales en odontología es inferior en comparación con otro tipo de personal que apoya el trabajo en el área dental 10 .…”

Noise Disturbance and Potential Hearing Loss Due to Exposure of Dental Equipment in Flemish Dentists

“…In the past, the emitted levels often exceeded 80 dBA [4], especially of the high-speed handpieces, and dentists were at substantial risk of developing HL as a result of too much exposure to the noise of their equipment [5][6][7]. Although some studies report that the noise levels of dental equipment may still provoke HL [8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15], the exposure levels of contemporary dental equipment are generally within the limits set by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) that recommends limiting noise exposure to 85 dBA at 40 h per week (e.g., [16,17]). This is possible due to technological improvements of the high-speed handpieces.…”