Occupational noise-induced hearing loss among dental personnel – a scoping review
Dental personnel are exposed to noise-producing equipment, and there is evidence that this occupational exposure to noise puts dental personnel at an increased risk of developing hearing loss (noise-induced hearing loss, NIHL). A literature search identified 28 scientific publications on NIHL among dental personnel. Twenty-three studies used objective parameters for NIHL, three used subjective parameters, and two studies used a combination of objective and subjective parameters. Of the 12 studies with objective measurements that also examined a control group, eight reported significantly higher NIHL among dental personnel than in the control groups. Of the 13 studies with objective measurements without a control group, seven reported significant NIHL among dental personnel. All five studies with subjective measurements reported significant NIHL among dental personnel. These results suggest that NIHL appears to be more prevalent among dental personnel than in most control groups.