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Updated: May 26, 2026
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Endaural Endoscopic Atticoantrotomy (Retrograde Mastoidectomy) using a Constant Suction Bone-drilling Technique
Published on: May 23, 2021
Do high-speed drills generate high-frequency noise in mastoid surgery?
Omar J Hilmi1, Richard H Mckee, Eric W Abel
1Temporal Bone Laboratory, Department of Otolaryngology, University of Dundee Medical School, Scotland, UK.
Summary
High-speed drills used in mastoid surgery do not generate excessive high-frequency noise, contrary to clinical concerns about cochlea damage. This study measured noise transmission up to 20,000 Hz, finding levels decrease significantly at higher frequencies.
Area of Science:
- Otoacoustic Emissions
- Audiology
- Neurosurgery
Background:
- Concerns exist regarding cochlea damage from high-speed drills in mastoid surgery, potentially affecting hearing above 8,000 Hz.
- Previous research on noise transmission to the cochlea was limited to frequencies below 4,000 Hz.
- Technological limitations previously hindered the measurement of higher frequencies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize noise transmitted to the cochlea during temporal bone drilling.
- To investigate noise transmission specifically in the higher frequency ranges up to 20,000 Hz.
Main Methods:
- Temporal bones were instrumented with accelerometers measuring frequencies from 500 to 20,000 Hz.
- A pure tone audiometer calibrated the system, and accelerometer data were recorded on a PC.
- Noise transmission to the cochlea was quantified using various burrs.
Main Results:
- Maximum sound transmission was 108 dBA at 4,000 Hz with a 6.5-mm burr.
- Sound transmission decreased at higher frequencies, reaching 84 dBA at 8,000 Hz and 40 dBA at 16,000 Hz.
- Average noise levels at higher frequencies were below those associated with cochlear damage.
Conclusions:
- High-frequency hearing loss after mastoid surgery is unlikely caused by drilling-generated noise.
- The study provides crucial data on high-frequency noise transmission during mastoid procedures.
- Further research may explore other potential causes of high-frequency hearing reduction post-surgery.
