AUDITORY AND EXTRA-AUDITORY EFFECTS OF NOISE ON DENTIST’S HEALTH

Abstract

Introduction: The noise has been primarily responsible for occupational hearing loss and can produce damage in various orders, also affecting other bodily functions. Because the practice of dentistry involves the use of devices that produce intense noise, its performance can lead to hearing and non-hearing damage that may affect professional’s quality of life. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the auditory and extra-auditory effects from exposure to noise on dentist’s health. Method: The study was conducted with 50 dentists in the city of Recife, including both sexes with age limit of 55 years. Audiometry was performed by air and, when necessary, by bone. The auditory and extra-auditory complaints were collected through a questionnaire containing objective questions. The data were divided into absolute and relative frequency by means of graphs. Results: It was found that 56% of the dentists had some type of hearing impairment on audiometry, and of these 82% were sensorineural. The main hearing and non-hearing complaints reported were, respectively, hearing loss (60%) and dizziness (32%). Conclusion: Dentists have auditory and extra-auditory alterations which likely affect their quality of life. This reinforces the need for preventive measures in relation to occupational noise exposure, and for the hearing assessment and regular use of personal protective equipment. DESCRIPTORS: Hearing. Hearing Loss, Noise-Induced. Dentistry. Occupational Risks.