Did you hear? There's an app for that!

By LMT Communications, Inc.

Posted Mar 19, 2018 in Industry News

A recent study measuring noise levels in the dental operatory environment found hazardous levels under two conditions:



  • The use of high-volume suction with an obstructed, thumb-operated air valve.

  • The use of high-volume suction with valve unobstructed in combination with a running handpiece. Although the prevalence of hearing loss among dentists surveyed was in line with national averages, dentists report a much higher rate of tinnitus symptoms (ringing, buzzing or hissing sounds in the ears). 


Tinnitus and hearing loss may be reduced with use of hearing protection devices although these weren’t commonly used by those surveyed. In addition, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has recently developed a free smartphone app for iOS devices to help dentists measure noise exposure levels in the operatory. 


The NIOSH recommended exposure limit (REL)...

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About The Author

  • LMT Communications, Inc.

    LMT Communications delivers the business strategies, information, dental laboratory news and education that dental laboratory decision-makers need to succeed. In Print. In Person. Online.

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