title: Prevalence of tinnitus and noise-induced hearing loss in dentists.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The purpose of this study was to evaluate noise levels in dental offices and to estimate the risk and prevalence of tinnitus and noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) in practicing dentists.
  
  
  METHODS
  First, measures were collected of sound pressure levels produced by dental handpieces and dental suction in the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center (OUHSC) College of Dentistry. Second, a survey was distributed to members of the Oklahoma Dental Association (ODA).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Measurements made in the dental operatory revealed dangerous levels when high-volume suction was in use alone and in conjunction with a dental handpiece. Questionnaire results suggested that practicing dentists report sensorineural hearing loss at a rate broadly in line with national averages. However, dentists reported a higher prevalence of tinnitus symptoms than would be expected based on sample demographics.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Results from sound level measurements and questionnaire responses indicate that dentists are a population that could be placing their hearing health at risk in a typical daily work environment.
authors.affiliation: Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, College of Allied Health, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA.
authors.forename: Jamie
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Myers
authors.affiliation: Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, College of Allied Health, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA.
authors.forename: Andrew B
authors.initials: AB
authors.lastname: John
authors.affiliation: Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, College of Allied Health, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA.
authors.forename: Suzanne
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kimball
authors.affiliation: Department of Operative Dentistry, College of Dentistry, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA.
authors.forename: Terry
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Fruits
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003815:Dentists; D005260:Female; D006317:Hearing Loss, Noise-Induced / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009623:Noise, Occupational / Q000009:adverse effects*; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology*; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D009825:Oklahoma; D015995:Prevalence; D057566:Self Report; D014012:Tinnitus / Q000453:epidemiology*