Decibel levels during extracorporeal lithotripsy for salivary stones.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the decibel sound pressure levels generated during extracorporeal lithotripsy for salivary stones, and if such lithotriptor noise levels have the potential for acoustic trauma.


METHODS
Minilith SL-1 salivary gland lithotriptor, sound level meter; five patient survey.


METHODS
Decibel measurements were conducted on the lithotripter-generated sounds, using a sound level meter at specific distances from the active element. In addition, a patient survey was conducted as a cross-reference, to enable comparison of predicted results with actual human perception of sound levels.


RESULTS
Sound levels ranged between 68 and 80 dB during treatment sessions, for both the lithotriptor operator and the patient.


CONCLUSIONS
During routine use, no acoustic trauma is incurred by either the lithotriptor operator or the patient.
Fritsch
M H
MH
Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Indiana University Medical Center, Indianapolis, Indiana 46202, USA. mfritsch@iupui.edu
D004430:Ear Protective Devices / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D006317:Hearing Loss, Noise-Induced / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D008096:Lithotripsy / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D009623:Noise, Occupational / Q000009:adverse effects; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000032:analysis*; D012465:Salivary Duct Calculi / Q000628:therapy*; D014481:United States