Noise levels generated within the external auditory canal during microsuction aural toilet and the effect on hearing: a prospective controlled series.
OBJECTIVE
To measure the noise generated during suction aural toilet and to determine whether there is any clinically measureable effect on audiometric thresholds.


METHODS
Prospective, controlled study with 14 patients.


METHODS
The study was conducted in an aural toilet clinic in a district general ENT department.


METHODS
Fourteen patients who attend regularly for suction aural toilet to clear cerumen.


METHODS
Live direct measurement of noise levels during treatment. Pre-treatment and post-treatment pure tone audiometry.


RESULTS
Microsuction generated a broadband sound with a peak at 2 kHz. Sound levels peaked at over 120 dB(A) in two patients. We found no evidence of any shift in audiometric thresholds following microsuction aural toilet.


CONCLUSIONS
Microsuction is a noisy procedure that is uncomfortable for some patients. However, it does not appear to be sufficiently noisy to produce a clinically detectable threshold shift. We would suggest that it is safe but that the use of non-suction methods or a fine end may on occasion be preferable to improve patient comfort.
Snelling
J D
JD
Ear, Nose and Throat Department, Great Western Hospital, Swindon, UK. james.snelling@nhs.net
Smithard
A
A
Waddell
A
A
D001290:Attitude; D001301:Audiometry, Pure-Tone; D001309:Auditory Threshold / Q000502:physiology; D002571:Cerumen; D004431:Ear, External / Q000502:physiology*; D004867:Equipment Design; D004869:Equipment Safety; D006309:Hearing / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D006920:Hygiene; D009622:Noise / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013396:Suction / Q000295:instrumentation; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires