Dentists are regularly
exposed to decibel (dB) levels at and above the level of 85 in clinic, which
constitutes a hazardous zone for unprotected ears without dental
earplugs. Hand pieces, ultrasonic scalers, high suction, air compressors, and
amalgamators are significant sources of noise in dental clinics, therefore
using dental hearing protection is an important safeguard against NIHL.
Here are the reasons why
dentists should protect their hearing:
1. To protect against NIHL
caused during routine dental clinic work.
2. Several studies indicated
that dental professionals exposed daily to high speed hand pieces without using
dental hearing protection showed greater levels of hearing loss than same-age staff
with desk jobs.
3.The use of dental hearing
protection devices such as dental ear plugs allows dentists to work without
distraction and in great comfort when using hand pieces, ultrasonic scalers,
and high suction devices.
4. There
are also dental ear plugs with active sound control that provide significant
protection against unsafe noise levels. These allow decompression of HPD while
noise levels are safe and also allows effective communication far superior to
passive ear plugs that don’t provide clear hearing and communication.
5. Earplugs
can reduce decibel ranges from 25 dB to greater capacities based on their
specific noise reduction ratings of N25 to N33. This is far more effective than
placing cotton into the ear, which only reduces levels by 7 Db.
NIHL is a serious
condition facing dentists uninformed about dental hearing protection devices
like ear plugs and the dangers of continuous exposure to noise in dental
clinics. It’s important to increase awareness about the benefits of hearing
protection devices for dental professionals.
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