Kelsey Henneberry1, Shannon Hilland1, S Kimberly Haslam1,2. 1. Alumna, Dental Hygiene Degree Program, Faculty of Dentistry, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada. 2. Assistant professor, School of Dental Hygiene, Faculty of Dentistry, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada.
Abstract
Objective: The aim of this review is to explore dental hygienists' risk for noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) and to describe the current hearing protection options. Methods: A literature search was undertaken using the following databases: PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane Libraries, and Google Scholar. The returns were screened using inclusion and exclusion criteria and the remaining studies were critically appraised. Results and Discussion: Seventeen articles assessed noise levels and NIHL risk in dental settings; and 11 articles examined hearing protection devices. The literature revealed that oral health practitioners were exposed to excessive noise limits (85 dBA) in an 8-hour workday, therefore increasing the risk of NIHL. Oral health professionals need to be aware of this risk and the preventive measures they can take to reduce the potential for hearing loss. Effective preventive measures may include hearing protective devices (HPDs), educational programs, insulated noise-absorbing materials, and regular monitoring of noise exposure. Conclusion: Dental hygienists may be at risk for permanent or temporary hearing loss in their work environment. Permanent hearing loss from the use of ultrasonic scalers appears to be minimal. To prevent hearing loss, active (electronic) HPDs are recommended as they allow practitioners to protect their hearing and communicate with clients.
Objective: The aim of this review is to explore dental hygienists' risk for noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) and to describe the current hearing protection options. Methods: A literature search was undertaken using the following databases: PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane Libraries, and Google Scholar. The returns were screened using inclusion and exclusion criteria and the remaining studies were critically appraised. Results and Discussion: Seventeen articles assessed noise levels and NIHL risk in dental settings; and 11 articles examined hearing protection devices. The literature revealed that oral health practitioners were exposed to excessive noise limits (85 dBA) in an 8-hour workday, therefore increasing the risk of NIHL. Oral health professionals need to be aware of this risk and the preventive measures they can take to reduce the potential for hearing loss. Effective preventive measures may include hearing protective devices (HPDs), educational programs, insulated noise-absorbing materials, and regular monitoring of noise exposure. Conclusion: Dental hygienists may be at risk for permanent or temporary hearing loss in their work environment. Permanent hearing loss from the use of ultrasonic scalers appears to be minimal. To prevent hearing loss, active (electronic) HPDs are recommended as they allow practitioners to protect their hearing and communicate with clients.
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