A silent hazard-noise in the veterinary sector: a scoping review

Veterinarians work with various species of animals, in many different work environments and have the potential to be exposed to sources of noise at levels that may be of concern.

To undertake a scoping review to compile existing evidence and determine the extent of knowledge that exists on the topic of occupational noise in the veterinary setting, including the sources, exposure levels, health impacts and hazard controls that exist.

A systematic search of five electronic databases (PubMed, SCOPUS, Web of Science, Embase and CINAHL) as well as grey literature was undertaken to identify articles in accordance with the methodology developed by the Joanna Briggs Institute and using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) checklist.

A total of 19 articles met the inclusion criteria. Various sources of noise were identified, including animals as well as equipment used. Personal noise exposures were found to exceed the commonly applied Occupational Exposure Limit (OEL)/upper exposure action value of LAeq,8 h 85 dB(A) for some workers, and audiometric testing found that some workers had hearing loss. Various noise controls were discussed that could be applied more widely to the veterinary sector.

Noise is a hazard of importance in the veterinary sector, and further research is needed to ensure that veterinary workers are aware of the risks associated with occupational noise exposure, including what strategies can be implemented to reduce noise exposures.