title: Occupational exposure to noise in maxillofacial operating theatres: an initial prospective study.
abstract: Exposure to excessive noise could impair surgical performance and communication, and lead to long-term hearing loss, but it is only recently that studies on occupational exposure to noise in operating theatres have been published. The aim of this prospective study was to assess mean and peak levels of noise during maxillofacial operations. We found that both were comparable to those in other surgical specialties such as orthopaedics in which power tools are used.
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Royal Blackburn Hospital, Haslingden Road, Blackburn BB2 3HH. Electronic address: briandiaztay@hotmail.com.
authors.forename: Brian Diaz
authors.initials: BD
authors.lastname: Tay
authors.affiliation: Oxford Hospitals NHS Trust, Windmill Rd, Oxford OX3 7LD. Electronic address: satheesh_irvail@hotmail.com.
authors.forename: I S
authors.initials: IS
authors.lastname: Prabhu
authors.affiliation: University College of Football Business, Turf Moor, Harry Potts Way, Burnley BB10 4AX. Electronic address: cam_cousin1994@hotmail.co.uk.
authors.forename: C H S
authors.initials: CH
authors.lastname: Cousin
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Royal Blackburn Hospital, Haslingden Road, Blackburn BB2 3HH. Electronic address: Gary.Cousin@elht.nhs.uk.
authors.forename: G C S
authors.initials: GC
authors.lastname: Cousin
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D008437:Maxilla / Q000601:surgery*; D009622:Noise; D009784:Occupational Diseases; D016273:Occupational Exposure; D009873:Operating Rooms; D009985:Orthopedics; D011446:Prospective Studies
keywords: Maxillofacial operating rooms; Maxillofacial operating theatres; Noise levels; Occupational noise exposure