Noise in operating theatres, is it safe?

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) is a condition caused by repeated exposure to loud noise, with operating theatre personnel potentially at risk. The aims of this study were to establish the typical noise levels in orthopaedic theatres and to compare these to The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005.

Materials and methods

We measured the average noise levels in 40 trauma and orthopaedic surgeries in a single centre. We used the Decibel X app to take measurements, then performed corrections to ascertain noise levels at the surgeon's ear (L_eq). The daily noise exposure level for theatre staff for each procedure (L_{EP, d}) and the L_{EP, d} over an average 8-hour working day when performing different groups of procedures were calcul

SUBMITTER: Ayoola M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11417073 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature