Occupational noise induced hearing loss in orthopaedic theatre nurses: Exposing the silent threat and outlining...

Excessive and prolonged exposure to loud noises can lead to an irreversible reduction in hearing known as noise induced hearing loss (NIHL). Orthopaedic theatre nurses spend a significant amount of their career surrounded by noisy orthopaedic theatre equipment, yet the risks posed to them by excessive occupational noise and the rates of NIHL in this group remain relatively unknown. Sound levels in orthopaedic theatres have been shown to exceed UK Health and Safety Executive action values with surgical instruments such as saws and rasping systems all exceeding 100 dB. Theatre nurses are therefore at risk of developing NIHL and multiple other complications associated with hearing loss, such as higher rates of loneliness and depression. Noisy theatre environments have also been shown to degrade communication, increase total errors and result in longer times to complete tasks, all leading to reductions in patient safety. This practice development article aims to raise awareness of occupational NIHL and empower theatre nurses to implement protective interventions for their hearing. The article outlines a range of measures to reduce excessive noise exposure to theatre staff and proposes the implementation of a nurse-led 'noise-safe theatre'. These recommendations encourage the use of engineering and administrative controls in combination with NIHL education and PPE within theatres to improve safety for both staff and patients.