Do you know what the decibel level is in your workplace, and are you aware of the potentially harmful effects constant exposure to noise can have on your hearing? Do you want to be able to continue enjoying conversation, music and other listening pleasures later in life? If so, think about protecting your hearing today!
Dental professionals (dentists, hygienists, technicians etc.) are exposed to dental noise from several sources. Various studies show evidence of damage to hearing caused by dental noise. The dental noise levels are typically between 66-91dB(A), but for short periods may even exceed 100dB(A). 85dB(A) as daily or weekly average exposure is a commonly recommended limit for hearing protection. Risk for hearing damage increases rapidly above 90 dB(A) exposure.
However, these noise levels and resulting consequences such as irritation and delayed stress, tend to be ignored, simply because we become accustomed to these noises and pay no attention to this hidden risk for hearing loss.
Nevertheless, the damaging effects of continuous dental noise exist.