J Occup Health. 2019 Oct 31. doi: 10.1002/1348-9585.12093. [Epub ahead of print]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES:
The
purpose of the study was to examine hearing thresholds among dental
personnel. The secondary aim was to evaluate sound levels among dental
equipment that dental personnel are exposed to.
METHODS:
Two
hundred forty-four dentists, dental technicians, dental assistants, and
dental students participated. Sixty-two participated as a control
group. Audiological thresholds for the test groups were compared to the
control group. All participants were from Jordan University Hospital.
Participants completed a questionnaire in addition to their audiometric
testing. Otoscopy, tympanometry, and pure tone audiometry were included
in their assessment. Three-factor ANOVA and t tests were utilized to
assess the statistical differences of hearing thresholds among the
groups and between the two ears. Pearson correlation test was used to
assess the effect of age, experience, and duration of exposure on the
degree of hearing loss in the test groups for both ears.
RESULTS:
The
authors reported statistically significant differences among hearing
thresholds between the control group and others. Left hearing thresholds
were noted to be significantly poorer in the left versus right ear at
1000, 2000, 4000, and 8000 Hz in dental assistants. The authors also
reported a significant relationship between the degree of hearing
impairment among dental assistants and the daily duration of exposure to
dental occupational noise, followed by age.
CONCLUSION:
Hearing
impairment was higher among dental professionals than the control group
and especially among dental assistants and technicians. The authors
recommended screening guidelines and adapting hearing protection methods
for dental professionals and particularly for dental assistants and
technicians.
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