Noise-Induced Hearing Loss in Orthopaedic Surgery: A Review Article

There are many sources of noise production in the operating room, including conversations among the surgical team, background music, electric monitors and alarms, surgical power tools, surgical instrument clattering and hammering, and suction devices. These sources introduce occupational hazards by producing damaging noise levels that exceed noise exposure level guidelines set by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health and the Health and Safety Executive. Noise-induced hearing loss affects up to 50% of orthopaedic staff, but few preventative measures are regularly followed in the orthopaedic setting. This review is intended to evaluate existing noise exposure guidelines, present data on sources of noise production in the operating room, and inform and guide orthopaedists toward more effective prevention strategies.