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Workplace noise exposure and audiometric thresholds in dental technicians
Angela Musacchio1, Carmela Romana Natalina Corrao2, Giancarlo Altissimi1
1Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy Department of Sense Organs Sapienza University of Rome Italy.
The International Tinnitus Journal
|February 4, 2020
Summary
Occupational noise exposure in dental labs is generally not a hearing hazard. Noise levels (LEX, 8 h) averaged 73.9 dB(A), below European limits, with minimal significant hearing threshold changes observed in dental technicians.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Medicine
- Audiology
- Environmental Health
Background:
- Occupational noise is a known health risk, but research often overlooks non-industrial settings like dental laboratories.
- Limited data exists on noise exposure and its effects on hearing thresholds among dental technicians.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess workplace noise exposure levels in dental laboratories.
- To evaluate hearing thresholds of dental technicians and compare them to non-noise-exposed populations.
Main Methods:
- Noise levels, measured as LEX, 8 h, were recorded in four dental laboratories.
- Pure tone audiometry was conducted on 51 dental technicians.
- Audiometric results were analyzed for age and working seniority correlations.
Main Results:
- Average noise exposure (LEX, 8 h) was 73.9 ± 2.2 dB(A), with variations between labs (71.4–76.2 dB(A)).
- Most technicians (92.1%) showed hearing thresholds consistent with age and sex, not noise exposure.
- A small percentage exhibited minor threshold increases, with only 3.9% showing bilateral changes typical of noise-induced hearing loss.
Conclusions:
- Noise exposure in dental laboratories, with LEX, 8 h below 80 dB(A), does not appear to pose a significant hazard to hearing.
- Levels are below European exposure limit and action values, suggesting current workplace controls are adequate for hearing protection.
