Journal of Ecophysiology and Occupational Health

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Assessment of Ambient Noise Exposure among Medical Staff in Dental Clinics Center of Dammam Medical Complex, Saudi Arabia


Affiliations
1 Department of Family and Community Medicine, College of Medicine, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam - 34212, Saudi Arabia
2 Department of Environmental Health, College of Public Health, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam - 34212, Saudi Arabia
 

Introduction: Exposure to loud noise is a major problem for medical staff, especially in dental clinics and laboratories. Aim: This research aims to assess the ambient noise in dental clinics and the impact of noise on medical staff in dental clinics at Dammam Medical Complex, Saudi Arabia. Materials and Methods: A Cross sectional study was performed. Ambient noise was measured using the sound level meter in various laboratories and clinics. Results: The data showed that the maximum noise levels were between 116 and 56 dB(A) with peak levels ranging from 116 to 106 dB(A) in the laboratory and clinic environment. There is a significant correlation with the number of medical personnel, the area of the laboratory or clinic and the number and nature of the equipment used with the sources and ambient noise in their workplace and with daily exposure might cause severe impact on hearing loss in such clinics. Conclusion: The study strongly recommends the implementation of preventive measures and should be for periodic medical examinations and educational programs of the highest priority for medical staff in clinics and dental laboratories.


Keywords

Ambient Noise, Dental Clinics, Dental Staff, Hearing Loss, Personal Protective Equipment, Saudi Arabia
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  • Assessment of Ambient Noise Exposure among Medical Staff in Dental Clinics Center of Dammam Medical Complex, Saudi Arabia

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Authors

Afaf Mustafa Al Shanqiti
Department of Family and Community Medicine, College of Medicine, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam - 34212, Saudi Arabia
Hassan Ahmed Abugad
Department of Environmental Health, College of Public Health, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam - 34212, Saudi Arabia
Khaled Fikry Salama
Department of Environmental Health, College of Public Health, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam - 34212, Saudi Arabia

Abstract


Introduction: Exposure to loud noise is a major problem for medical staff, especially in dental clinics and laboratories. Aim: This research aims to assess the ambient noise in dental clinics and the impact of noise on medical staff in dental clinics at Dammam Medical Complex, Saudi Arabia. Materials and Methods: A Cross sectional study was performed. Ambient noise was measured using the sound level meter in various laboratories and clinics. Results: The data showed that the maximum noise levels were between 116 and 56 dB(A) with peak levels ranging from 116 to 106 dB(A) in the laboratory and clinic environment. There is a significant correlation with the number of medical personnel, the area of the laboratory or clinic and the number and nature of the equipment used with the sources and ambient noise in their workplace and with daily exposure might cause severe impact on hearing loss in such clinics. Conclusion: The study strongly recommends the implementation of preventive measures and should be for periodic medical examinations and educational programs of the highest priority for medical staff in clinics and dental laboratories.


Keywords


Ambient Noise, Dental Clinics, Dental Staff, Hearing Loss, Personal Protective Equipment, Saudi Arabia

References





DOI: https://doi.org/10.18311/jeoh%2F2020%2F25360