None listed
Conditions
Brief summary
The effect of noise in the dental clinical setting has been shown to exceed safe levels, and the potential effects of this on the hearing of dental practitioners well-established. Occupational noise-induced hearing loss (ONIHL) is an irreversible condition that can affect dental practitioners as they are subjected to long-term, frequent exposure to high-frequency noise from equipment and instruments. Prolonged exposure may reduce hearing sensitivity and acuity and is associated with various comorbidities such as tinnitus; it may affect quality of life. Within the last decade ONIHL in dentistry has been well-researched, yet there remains limited discussion regarding use of hearing protection devices e.g., custom-made earplugs, in the clinical setting. Although such devices are a well-established means of preventing ONIHL in noise-prone professions there is little evidence regarding their use in dentistry. This study aims to investigate dental practitioners’ perceptions of the use of hearing protective devices and create a tool for future larger scale investigations. By raising awareness and implementing appropriate hearing protection measures, it may be possible to safeguard the hearing health and overall well-being of dental professionals.
Interventions
Participants will be provided with hearing protection devices in the form of custom-made earplugs for wear in the clinical dental setting.
The devices are manufactured and provided by Pacific Ears, branded 'PACS Pro31 earplugs'. These devices are high-noise filtering and provide attenuation (reduction of amplitude) in loud environments. The devices are designated 'Class 5 hearing protection' per AS/NZS-1270. They are constructed of medical-grade silicone,
The participants will be asked (not req
Participants will be provided with hearing protection devices in the form of custom-made earplugs for wear in the clinical dental setting. The devices are manufactured and provided by Pacific Ears, branded 'PACS Pro31 earplugs'. These devices are high-noise filtering and provide attenuation (reduction of amplitude) in loud environments. The devices are designated 'Class 5 hearing protection' per AS/NZS-1270. They are constructed of medical-grade silicone, The participants will be asked (not required) to wear the devices 'as much as desired' during usual dental clinical activities for a period of twelve weeks.. Assessment of the use of the devices will be by way of periodic questionnaires to be completed online by the participants.
Sponsors
University of Melbourne
Study design
Allocation
Non-randomised trial
Primary purpose
Prevention
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Age
23 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
Dental practitioner Current clinical practice
Exclusion criteria
No ear condition(s) precluding wear of the device. Previous wear of such devices
Outcome results
None listed