Self-reported hearing-related complaints among dental professionals: A questionnaire-based survey.

Abstract

Background: As a result of workplace noise, dental personnel are potentially predisposed to auditory and non-auditory effects of noise which may expose hidden or imminent hearing impairment. There is the need to capture these self-reported hearing and hearing-related complaints using well designed questionnaires as a prelude to formal audiometric tests.

Materials And Methods: This was a cross-sectional self-administered questionnaire study conducted between the periods April to August 2015. Participants were given questionnaires to fill and return which captured socio-demographic data and exposure to noise at workplace and symptoms experienced. Upon return of the questionnaire, each questionnaire was examined to ensure they were properly filled with signed consent. All data and findings were evaluated anonymously.

Results: One hundred and thirty eight questionnaires were returned giving 86% response rate, 35(25.4%) reported hearing impairment. Eighteen (13.0%) respondents have experienced tinnitus, while 20 (14.5%) of the respondents experienced Hyperacusis, another 53(38.4%) of the respondents also have difficulty hearing in places with competing noise. Stress and sleep disturbance were also common complains.

Conclusion: The presence of especially tinnitus, hyperacusis, impaired hearing in areas with competing sounds are all symptoms indicative of imminent hearing impairment that could be used to predict undetected hearing losses among dental personnel.