Ultrasonic lithotripsy: the risk of hearing loss

Ultrasonic lithotripsy has been applied widely to the percutaneous removal of upper tract calculi. The high noise levels generated by ultrasonic lithotriptors during clinical use have raised some concern among endourologists. In this study sound level measurements of all 3 commercially available ultrasonic lithotriptors were obtained in the audiology laboratory and operating room. In all circumstances the maximum noise levels recorded (103 dBA. or less) for the time of exposure that would be encountered in the clinical setting of ultrasonic lithotripsy never exceeded safe levels. We concluded that the routine use of ultrasonic lithotriptors does not present a hazard to the hearing of normal individuals.