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Occupational exposure to noise in maxillofacial operating theatres: an initial prospective study
Brian Diaz Tay1, I S Prabhu2, C H S Cousin3
1Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Royal Blackburn Hospital, Haslingden Road, Blackburn BB2 3HH.
The British Journal of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
|November 25, 2015
Summary
Excessive noise in operating rooms can harm surgeons and lead to hearing loss. This study found noise levels during maxillofacial surgery are comparable to other specialties using power tools.
Area of Science:
- Surgical Safety
- Occupational Health
- Audiology
Background:
- Operating theatre noise poses risks to surgical performance, communication, and hearing.
- Research on occupational noise exposure in operating rooms is a recent development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To prospectively assess mean and peak noise levels during maxillofacial operations.
- To compare noise exposure in maxillofacial surgery to other surgical specialties.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study design.
- Measurement of mean and peak noise levels during maxillofacial procedures.
Main Results:
- Mean and peak noise levels were recorded during maxillofacial operations.
- Noise levels were found to be comparable to those in specialties like orthopaedics, which utilize power tools.
Conclusions:
- Maxillofacial surgery operating rooms experience significant noise levels.
- Noise exposure in this specialty warrants attention and comparison with other high-noise surgical environments.
