The Centers for Disease Control warns that occupational hearing loss is one of the most common work-related illnesses in the United States. A 2016 National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) found that the mining sector, the construction sector, and the manufacturing sector had the highest prevalence for hearing loss. That same year, a study published in the journal Noise & Health warned of the often-overlooked risk of hearing loss in the field of dentistry. The studywas conducted by first measuring sound pressure levels produced by dental handpieces and dental suction at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center (OUHSC) College of Dentistry. Researchers found that sound pressure levels produced by the dental handpieces ranged from 70.4 to 83.6 decibels adjusted (dBA). Meanwhile, two conditions, obstructed suction and unobstructed suction with an operating dental handpiece, were found to reach sound pressure levels of 96.5 dBA and 94.8 dBA respectively. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) defines dangerous noise levels as sound pressure exceeding 85 dBA. Researchers then distributed a survey to members of the Oklahoma Dental Association (ODA). The surveywas designed to evaluate the range of noise exposures of dental professionals and estimate the
prevalence of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) and tinnitus. The survey analysis was based on the 144 responses received from the ODA. Of these respondents, the oldest was 76 and the youngest was 35. The mean number of years in practice was 27.2 years. By analyzing the survey data, the researchers noted that the levels of NIHLwere not higher than that of the general population. However, 31% of respondents reported experiencing tinnitus, a rate that is far higher than that of the general population. This study noted similar findings of tinnitus in dental professionals by studies conducted in the United Arab Emirates (37%) and South Africa (36.49%). Researchers concluded that “results from the present study suggest that dentists are at risk of exposure to hazardous noise levels in their work environment, with that risk related to time of exposure to dental handpieces and suction.” Due to the small sample size of this study, researchers called for more studies into the risk of hazardous noise exposure in the dental profession. However, much like how patients are encouraged to brush and floss for preventative health, oral health practitioners maywant to consider wearing earplugs as a preventative measure to protect their hearing.
Hazardous Noise Levels in Dental Offices May Result in Hearing Loss
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Chocolate-Dipped Fruit
This super easy and fun way to create homemade treats provides your kids with a healthier and more delicious alternative to packaged industrial candy. As a bonus, making it is an awesome Halloween activity for your family to enjoy.
INGREDIENTS
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1 package melting chocolate
3. Dip half of each piece of fruit in chocolate before transferring to a parchment-lined baking sheet to rest. 4. Let cool for 10 minutes until chocolate solidifies. 5. Place in school lunches, serve at parties, and indulge in a few for yourself.
Assorted dried fruit, including apricots and mangoes
DIRECTIONS
1. In a large saucepan, bring 1 inch of water to a boil. 2. Place a large, heatproof mixing bowl on top of saucepan so that no steam can escape. Place melting chocolate in mixing bowl and double boil until melted.
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