Noise exposure and its perceived effects on hearing and work performance among dental professionals in a high-volume dentistry hospital

Year 2026, Volume: 9 Issue: 2 , 447 - 451 , 12.03.2026

Yasemin Akçaalan , Merve Hayriye Kocaoğlu , Kaan Orhan

https://doi.org/10.32322/jhsm.1847651

https://izlik.org/JA55DM55UJ

Abstract

Aims: This study aimed to identify noise sources in a high-volume level 1 dentistry hospital and to evaluate the perceived effects of noise exposure on dental professionals.
Methods: This questionnaire-based cross-sectional study included dental professionals working in a level 1 dentistry hospital. A structured survey consisting of 18 questions (3 demographic, 2 open-ended, and 13 multiple-choice), developed by the authors based on relevant literature, was used. Data regarding demographic characteristics, working conditions, noise sources, hearingrelated symptoms, and perceived effects of noise on work performance were collected. Chi-square tests were used for statistical analysis, with p<0.05 considered statistically significant.
Results: A total of 237 participants were included. The most frequently reported noise sources were environmental noise (85.7%), aspirators (84.0%), external noise (83.1%), and high-speed handpieces (81.0%). Difficulty understanding speech in noisy environments was reported by 59.1% of participants, while 57.8% reported tinnitus or ringing sensations. Difficulty understanding speech (p=0.008) and the perceived negative impact of noise on work motivation and quality (p=0.022) differed significantly across age groups. Although 68.4% of participants were aware of the risk of noise-induced hearing loss, only 2.5% reported using hearing protection during clinical practice.
Conclusion: Noise exposure in high-volume dental hospitals is a prevalent occupational issue arising not only from dental instruments but also from environmental and organizational factors. This exposure is associated with a high prevalence of hearing-related symptoms and perceived impairment in work performance among dental professionals.

Keywords

Noise exposure , dental professionals , occupational health , hearing-related symptoms , work performance

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