Orthopaedic theatre noise: a potential hazard to patients.
Potentially hazardous noise levels are generated in the course of major orthopaedic surgery. The risk to staff is probably real but very small. We used a sound level meter to record maximum and mean levels and found peak values which exceeded 100 dB(A). If sustained, there is a possibility of significant inner ear damage and perhaps permanent troublesome tinnitus, especially among elderly and already hearing-impaired patients. This could be eliminated by the use of ear defenders or disposable earplugs.
Nott
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Royal West Sussex Hospital, St Richard's, Chichester, PO19 4SE, UK. Michael.Nott@RWS-TR.NHS.UK
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D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000768:Anesthesia, General; D004781:Environmental Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000032:analysis; D004784:Environmental Monitoring / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006317:Hearing Loss, Noise-Induced / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009622:Noise / Q000009:adverse effects*; D009873:Operating Rooms; D019637:Orthopedic Procedures; D018570:Risk Assessment