Mousumi Goswami1, Darrel Singh1, Binny Vashist1, Sugandha Marwaha1. 1. Department of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry, ITS Dental College, Hospital and Research Centre 47, Knowledge Park III, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh 201308, India.
Abstract
AIM: To analyse sound levels and sound pollution in a Pediatric Dental Clinic and to analyse whether the levels are significant to the extent of being a health hazard. METHODS: Noise levels were measured in a Pediatric dental clinic in an institutional setting with a precision noise level meter ((HTC 1350). Recordings were taken at different times of the day, at the centre, chair-side, reception, play area and four corners of the department keeping the microphone at a distance of 6 in. from the operator's ear. The noise levels of various equipments i.e. suction, micromotor, airotor were measured with the equipments turned on and during cutting operations with the microphone placed at a distance of 6 in. from the sound source. The sound levels for the laboratory equipments were taken at a distance of 6 in. and 2 m. RESULTS: The highest mean sound levels were recorded at the reception, play area and chair-side area with least mean sound levels recorded at 9:00am which increased at 11:30am & 2:00pm and reduced again at 3:30pm The maximum sounds were produced by the lathe trimmer, airotor and scaler. CONCLUSION: Noise levels in a pediatric clinic approach the level of risk of hearing loss [85 db(A)]. This would have a serious effect on both providers and patients and a concerted effort would be required to control the noise levels and thus avoid the potential health hazards that it poses.
AIM: To analyse sound levels and sound pollution in a Pediatric Dental Clinic and to analyse whether the levels are significant to the extent of being a health hazard. METHODS: Noise levels were measured in a Pediatric dental clinic in an institutional setting with a precision noise level meter ((HTC 1350). Recordings were taken at different times of the day, at the centre, chair-side, reception, play area and four corners of the department keeping the microphone at a distance of 6 in. from the operator's ear. The noise levels of various equipments i.e. suction, micromotor, airotor were measured with the equipments turned on and during cutting operations with the microphone placed at a distance of 6 in. from the sound source. The sound levels for the laboratory equipments were taken at a distance of 6 in. and 2 m. RESULTS: The highest mean sound levels were recorded at the reception, play area and chair-side area with least mean sound levels recorded at 9:00am which increased at 11:30am & 2:00pm and reduced again at 3:30pm The maximum sounds were produced by the lathe trimmer, airotor and scaler. CONCLUSION: Noise levels in a pediatric clinic approach the level of risk of hearing loss [85 db(A)]. This would have a serious effect on both providers and patients and a concerted effort would be required to control the noise levels and thus avoid the potential health hazards that it poses.
Entities:
Keywords:
Health hazards; Noise level; Sound level meter; Sound pollution
Authors: Mengchao Zhang; Richard M Stern; Deborah Moncrieff; Catherine Palmer; Christopher A Brown Journal: Trends Hear Date: 2022 Jan-Dec Impact factor: 3.496