Abstract
Soundproofing materials are widely used in various fields as a passive measure to reduce noise. Despite this, there have been a few studies on the application of soundproofing materials on medical equipment, which is the main cause of noise in a medical environment. Despite the increasing number of studies on active noise control for the noise reduction of machines, it is difficult to apply customized noise control—i.e., specific control measures according to the various characteristics of that noise—due to its high cost and low effectiveness. Therefore, research on passive noise control using soundproofing materials is required for effective noise control. The 3D CAD/CAM milling machine, which is an essential device in the digitalized dental environment, is causing various problems as a new noise source. This study investigated the noise of the milling machine and considered its characteristics in application of an efficient soundproofing material for noise reduction. Additionally, a soundproofing material performance test was conducted to select an appropriate soundproofing material based on the noise characteristics of the milling machine. As milling machines cause noise issues in hospitals, the study results were analyzed in considering practical aspects for immediate application to actual sale products. This study suggests that the application of Thinsulator and a triple soundproofing mat (butyl 100% + aluminum + sound-insulating material) is effective in the noise reduction of milling machines.
Highlights
The noise from machines such as handpieces in dental environments has become a cause of hearing loss in dentists and has evoked fear in patients [1,2]
Our study aims to analyze the noise characteristics of the 3D CAD/CAM milling machine, which causes a new type of noise in the dental environment, and to propose an effective noise reduction plan
The milling machine noise that is released to the outside is approximately 65–70 dB when measured at a 1 m distance which, under continuous exposure and considering that normal conversations occur at a volume of 60 dB, is considered inappropriate for a pleasant environment [24,25]
Summary
The noise from machines such as handpieces in dental environments has become a cause of hearing loss in dentists and has evoked fear in patients [1,2]. Many different methods have been tried and tested to improve the satisfaction of patients and staff and generate a more pleasant environment at the hospital or clinic, and the reduction of unnecessary noise, among others, has been recognized and studied as an essential element [3,4,5]. Various advanced medical machines have been introduced and concurrently recognized as new noise sources in dental environments. Despite having an effective manufacturing method, the milling machine is difficult to place within the dental environment, and noise control in the work environment.
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