Citation Information :
Alhaider SH, Togoo RA, Hakami RM, Alzamil NS, Alassmi AA, AlShahrani AA, Moadi RA, Ain TS. Impact of Noise on the Hearing and Tinnitus among Dental Students, Interns, and Dental Practitioners: A Cross-sectional Study. World J Dent 2023; 14 (7):581-585.
Aim: To assess the impact of noise on hearing and tinnitus among dental students, interns, and dental practitioners.
Materials and methods: The presentation was carried out on 100 subjects, including dental students, interns, and dental faculty, using a self-administered questionnaire for demographic data, information regarding noise exposure, and precautions taken by dental professionals in dental set-up. To analyze the knowledge and awareness of dental professionals regarding the impact of noise on hearing and the protection of ears, 14 well-constructed questions were framed and asked of the subjects. The data obtained were subjected to statistical analysis.
Results: The majority of subjects were consultants, followed by technicians and dental students. Maximum subjects, 62%, had 5–10 years of experience. The maximum exposure was 4–6 hours, with only 2% of subjects diagnosed with hearing loss, but 29% complained of tinnitus. Most dental professionals were not using hearing protective aids, and they did not even feel that the noise of the dental set-up could cause hearing loss or tinnitus. Few felt headaches and sleep disturbance. Noise levels were found to be maximum in the laboratory, followed by the Department of Periodontics, Restorative Dentistry, and Pedodontics, with a statistically significant relation (p-value < 0.05) between the specialty and level of hearing loss.
Conclusion: Around 2% of the subjects were diagnosed with hearing loss, while 29% complained of tinnitus, which was minimal and intermittent. The dental professionals had limited knowledge about the effects of noise levels on health.
Clinical significance: The present study provides insight into the impact of noise generated in dental set-up due to various dental equipment and thus the dental professionals and students would take necessary precautions as well as treat work-related hearing disorders at the earliest.
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