Sound intensity and audiometric findings in the odontologic practice
Abstract
The goal of this assay is to establish if sound intensity is too high in the practice of odontology and if a group of dentists know and protect themselves from noise induced hearing loss.
Method: 23 dentists, 25 to 50 years-old, who work five days a week, six to ten hours a day, were submitted to an interview, pure tone audiometry, speech tests and imitanciometry. Noise intensity was measured in their offices during the use of high and low rotation drill. Results: Noise intensity in the office varied from 74,2 dB to 92,2dB during the use of drills. 13 dentists were aware of noise induced hearing loss, but only one protected himself. Seven out of 23 dentists had hearing loss and six had a 25dB threshold in higher frequencies. Conclusion: Noise intensity in the practice of odontology is higher than the limit tolerated by the inner ear. Protection is necessary, but was not used by the studied group. It is possible that present shifts in audiometric thresholds and sensorineural hearing losses were induced by noise.
