J D Snelling1, A Smithard, A Waddell. 1. Ear, Nose and Throat Department, Great Western Hospital, Swindon, UK. james.snelling@nhs.net
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: To measure the noise generated during suction aural toilet and to determine whether there is any clinically measureable effect on audiometric thresholds. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, controlled study with 14 patients. SETTING: The study was conducted in an aural toilet clinic in a district general ENT department. PARTICIPANTS: Fourteen patients who attend regularly for suction aural toilet to clear cerumen. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Live direct measurement of noise levels during treatment. Pre-treatment and post-treatment pure tone audiometry. RESULTS: Microsuction generated a broadband sound with a peak at 2 kHz. Sound levels peaked at over 120 dB(A) in two patients. We found no evidence of any shift in audiometric thresholds following microsuction aural toilet. CONCLUSIONS: Microsuction is a noisy procedure that is uncomfortable for some patients. However, it does not appear to be sufficiently noisy to produce a clinically detectable threshold shift. We would suggest that it is safe but that the use of non-suction methods or a fine end may on occasion be preferable to improve patient comfort.
OBJECTIVES: To measure the noise generated during suction aural toilet and to determine whether there is any clinically measureable effect on audiometric thresholds. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, controlled study with 14 patients. SETTING: The study was conducted in an aural toilet clinic in a district general ENT department. PARTICIPANTS: Fourteen patients who attend regularly for suction aural toilet to clear cerumen. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Live direct measurement of noise levels during treatment. Pre-treatment and post-treatment pure tone audiometry. RESULTS: Microsuction generated a broadband sound with a peak at 2 kHz. Sound levels peaked at over 120 dB(A) in two patients. We found no evidence of any shift in audiometric thresholds following microsuction aural toilet. CONCLUSIONS: Microsuction is a noisy procedure that is uncomfortable for some patients. However, it does not appear to be sufficiently noisy to produce a clinically detectable threshold shift. We would suggest that it is safe but that the use of non-suction methods or a fine end may on occasion be preferable to improve patient comfort.
Authors: Allen Young; Nathaniel H Reeve; Albert Yang; Jacob Kahane; Chad Cross; Anita Albanese; Matthew Ng Journal: Laryngoscope Investig Otolaryngol Date: 2020-07-20