Is noise-induced hearing loss increased in dental clinicians who use the high-speed handpiece compared to dental professionals who use other noise inducing dental equipment?

Abstract

Although modern dentistry is a technologically advanced field many hazards and occupational health issues are still present in terms of skin dermatitis, respiratory disorders, burns, eye injuries, psychological issues, exposure to infectious diseases, radiation and hearing issues.1 Extended exposure to high noise levels by dental personnel may have a negative effect on hearing.2 Noise is defined as unwanted and unpleasant noise, which may lead to a disruption of the balance or activity of human life.3 Alongside noise encountered on a daily basis dental professionals are also subjected to noise within the workplace from various sources.4

Over exposure to hazardous sounds can result in tinnitus, hearing impairment and hearing loss, which can lead to other health complaints including hypertension, sleep disturbance, mental fatigue, nervousness, emotional frustration and general annoyance.1 Tinnitus is the perception of sound in one or both ears in the absence of external stimulus.5 Often, tinnitus precedes permanent hearing loss and can be an early warning sign of noise induced hearing loss (NIHL).6

The extent of hearing loss caused by noise is dependent on exposure to noise, frequency of the sound and intensity of the noise.7 Sound intensity is measured in decibels (dB) with the greater intensity of the sound carrying the greater risk of hearing damage.8 The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) for the United Kingdom (UK) noise regulations defines exposure action values as lower exposure action (80 dB or less for eight hours daily) and upper exposure action (85 dB or higher) where action such as using alternative processes are recommended when upper exposure action is noted.9 Within the United States of America (USA) the recommended exposure to workplace noise by both the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) should not exceed 85 dB for eight hours and 100 dB for 15 minutes in order to minimise NIHL.10