Over exposure to loud noise can result in tinnitus, hearing impairment and hearing loss. It can also cause fatigue, tension and disturb sleep. But just how big a concern is tinnitus and hearing loss in dentistry, and what can the industry do about it?

What is Tinnitus?

The NHS defines tinnitus as hearing noises that are not caused by sounds coming from the outside world. These sounds can include ringing, buzzing, humming and hissing. These sounds can be heard in one ear, both ears or in the head. They can be constant or might come and go. In most cases, tinnitus is caused by damage to the inner ear through either ageing or exposure to loud noise. Many people with tinnitus also have hearing loss, but it is also possible to have tinnitus and normal hearing or have hearing loss but not tinnitus.

What have Studies Shown?

Though nowhere near as high profile as other health risks associated with the dental profession, numerous studies worldwide have been carried out in recent years that address the relationship between hearing loss and dentistry. According to a recent study from the US¹, dentists experience a “considerably higher rate of tinnitus” when compared to the American population as a whole. The study concluded that “results from sound level measurements and questionnaire responses indicate that dentists could be placing their hearing health at risk in a typical daily work environment.” This is supported by research complied by the Hearing Journal² which found dentists are 50% more likely to suffer from tinnitus and hearing loss compared to the general population of the USA.

In the UK, a recent British Dental Journal article³, which looked at various international studies on the subject, declared noise exposure within dentistry “a concern”. Though no firm conclusion was met, the article suggests that dental nurses and dental technicians in particular had worse hearing thresholds than dentists. It recommends that earplugs become an essential consideration for personal protective equipment (PPE) within dentistry and highlights the importance of instrument use, age and maintenance on noise exposure.

Sources:

¹ Prevalence of Tinnitus and Noise-induced Hearing Loss in Dentists (Myers J, Andrew J.B, Kimball S, Fruits T), NCBI, 2016 Nov-Dec; 18(85): 347–354
² Hearing Loss and Tinnitus Among Dentists (Ian Murray), The Hearing Journal, January 2020 - Volume 73 - Issue 1 - p 10,12,13
³ Is noise-induced hearing loss increased in dental clinicians who use the high-speed handpiece compared to dental professionals who use other noise inducing dental equipment? (S Duerden, B Littlemore), British Dental Journal, 8, 38–48 (2021)