Yonsei Med J.  1999 Aug;40(4):339-342. 10.3349/ymj.1999.40.4.339.

Noise level of drilling instruments during mastoidectomy

• Lee HK
• Lee EH
• Choi JY
• Choi HS
• Kim HN

• KMID: 711659
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3349/ymj.1999.40.4.339

Abstract

Exposure to intense noise has been identified as a potential risk in the development of hearing impairment. Social concern about excessive noise is increasing and this also extends to the operating room. A noise level study was performed in the operating room during mastoidectomy with a sound level meter and it was analyzed by a sound-analyzing program. The drilling instruments used included the Stryker, Midas, M.P.S. and Med-Next. The operator was exposed to sound levels from 69 to 83 dBA. The loudest drilling instrument was the Midas and it produced an average sound level of 83 dBA to the operator. The mean exposure time was 41 minutes during mastoidectomy. This is below the occupational noise-level regulations in Korea. However, considering that individual susceptibility to noise varies and that the otologic surgeon is repeatedly exposed to prolonged drilling noise, ear protection is recommended for the operators of high-speed drilling instruments.

Keyword

Noise; noise-induced hearing loss; mastoidectomy; drilling instrument

MeSH Terms

Chronic Disease
Human
Mastoid/surgery*
Noise*/adverse effects
Otitis Media/surgery
Otolaryngology/instrumentation*