Decibel levels during extracorporeal lithotripsy for salivary stones

Abstract

To determine the decibel sound pressure levels generated during extracorporeal lithotripsy for salivary stones, and if such lithotriptor noise levels have the potential for acoustic trauma. Minilith SL-1 salivary gland lithotriptor, sound level meter; five patient survey. Decibel measurements were conducted on the lithotripter-generated sounds, using a sound level meter at specific distances from the active element. In addition, a patient survey was conducted as a cross-reference, to enable comparison of predicted results with actual human perception of sound levels. Sound levels ranged between 68 and 80 dB during treatment sessions, for both the lithotriptor operator and the patient. During routine use, no acoustic trauma is incurred by either the lithotriptor operator or the patient.