Abstract
ABSTRACT Purpose: to determine the auditory effects of noise exposure from recreational and occupational sources among dentistry students. Methods: forty-two dentistry students, routinely exposed to occupational noise, and 72 students from other health science schools were recruited (control group). Audiometric testing, otoacoustic emissions and questionnaires to assess recreational and occupational noise were applied to the sample. The presence of a notch was determined for each participant audiometry´s test based on the criteria proposed by Coles et al. Differences in notch prevalence were analyzed by applying univariate regression models as well as a multivariate model adjusted by covariates. Results: non-significant differences in auditory thresholds between groups were found. The controls exhibited a significantly higher prevalence of a notch at 4 kHz than the group exposed to noise. However, the differences were not statistically significant in the multivariate model adjusted by recreational noise exposure. Conclusions: the occupational noise exposure was not significantly associated to auditory system dysfunction. In addition, the differences in notch prevalence could be related to recreational noise exposure.
Highlights
Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is a common cause of hearing damage among the population, being estimated that more than 500 million people worldwide are at risk of suffering from it[1]
The presence of a notch was determined for each participant audiometrys test based on the criteria proposed by Coles et al Differences in notch prevalence were analyzed by applying univariate regression models as well as a multivariate model adjusted by covariates
Forty-two students from the dentistry undergraduate program routinely exposed to occupational noise were evaluated
Summary
Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is a common cause of hearing damage among the population, being estimated that more than 500 million people worldwide are at risk of suffering from it[1]. Among adults, hearing loss affects significantly the quality of life and social and work-place wellbeing[2]. When there are permanently high noise levels in the workplace, hearing loss is called Occupational Noise-induced Hearing Loss (ONHL)[3]. Recent studies indicate that the noise in dental clinics and undergraduate clinical practice setting may be higher than 85 dB6,7. In this setting, the noise caused by dental instruments is amplified by using several pieces of equipment at the same time[8]. Working spaces are shared, and there are no soundproof or sound-buffer
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