Noise exposure and hearing threshold evaluation of faculty members in the School of Dentistry, Ahwaz University of Medical Sciences in1394

Dentists are a vulnerable group who are at risk of hearing loss. This study aimed to investigate the effects of ambient noise on dentists. This cross-sectional study was carried out on residents and professors working in School of
Dentistry in Ahvaz University of Medical Sciences in 1394. Audiometry tests using a standard acoustic chamber with a frequency range of 125 Hz to 8000 was performed. Survey questionnaires were completed in the hearing session. Data were collected confidentialy and the results published without including the names of dentists. The results of this study were analyzed using SPSS version 22.
In 35 percent of studied dentists at least a degree of hearing loss in one ear was detected. The hearing loss rates in the right and left ear were 35% and 23% respectively. Cases with hearing loss among women were more than men. There was no relationship between job experience and hearing loss. There was no significant relationship between the dentist's age and hearing loss.
Best solution for dentists hearing loss control is enforcement of standards of noisy work equipments. The use of silencer as well as proper insulation of devices such as compressors can also be useful. Keywords: Hearing loss, audiometry, Dentists