Is Noise From Suctioning Harmful to Surgeons' Hearing?

Area of Science:

• Audiology and Occupational Health
• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

Background:

• Progressive hearing loss is a growing concern among experienced oral and maxillofacial surgeons (OMSs).
• Limited research exists on the impact of the surgical environment on surgeon hearing.
• The specific contribution of noise from surgical equipment, such as suction devices, to hearing damage is not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the noise intensity produced by surgical suction devices.
• To compare measured sound levels with established federal workplace safety guidelines.
• To assess the potential risk of hearing damage to oral and maxillofacial surgeons (OMSs) from suction noise.

Main Methods:

• Sound intensity levels were measured using a digital sound noise level meter (CEM DT-8851).
• Measurements were taken during 50 clinic and 50 operating room procedures, analyzing various sound exposure variables.
• Recorded decibel levels were analyzed against federal workplace noise exposure standards.

Main Results:

• Noise intensities from suction and other surgical activities were statistically significant and higher than non-drilling/suction periods (P < .0001).
• Despite higher intensities, noise levels exceeded 85 dB (federal guideline threshold for potential damage) only 0.04% of the time.
• The hypothesis that suction noise intensity alone exceeds federal guidelines was not supported by the data.

Conclusions:

• While suction noise did not exceed federal guidelines, the study suggests it may not be the sole cause of hearing loss.
• The cumulative effect of noise exposure over extended periods, potentially exceeding 8-hour workdays, warrants further investigation.
• A longitudinal study is recommended to definitively assess the relationship between occupational noise exposure and hearing loss in OMSs.