Noise levels and sound pollution associated with various operative procedures and equipments in a pediatric dental environment – A clinical study

Publication date: Available online 1 July 2017
Source:Journal of Oral Biology and Craniofacial Research
Author(s): Mousumi Goswami, Darrel Singh, Binny Vashist, Sugandha Marwaha
AimTo analyse sound levels and sound pollution in a Pediatric Dental Clinic and to analyse whether the levels are significant to the extent of being a health hazard.MethodsNoise levels were measured in a Pediatric dental clinic in an institutional setting with a precision noise level meter ((HTC 1350). Recordings were taken at different times of the day, at the centre, chair-side, reception, play area and four corners of the department keeping the microphone at a distance of 6in. from the operator's ear. The noise levels of various equipments i.e. suction, micromotor, airotor were measured with the equipments turned on and during cutting operations with the microphone placed at a distance of 6in. from the sound source. The sound levels for the laboratory equipments were taken at a distance of 6in. and 2m.ResultsThe highest mean sound levels were recorded at the reception, play area and chair-side area with least mean sound levels recorded at 9:00am which increased at 11:30am & 2:00pm and reduced again at 3:30pm The maximum sounds were produced by the lathe trimmer, airotor and scaler.ConclusionNoise levels in a pediatric clinic approach the level of risk of hearing loss [85db(A)]. This would have a serious effect on both providers and patients and a concerted effort would be required to control the noise levels and thus avoid the potential health hazards that it poses.



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