치과 의료 환경에서 발생하는 소음에 대한 주관적 평가 및 노이즈 캔슬링 이어폰의 차음 효과 비교

Abstract

Purpose: Various devices such as dental handpieces, ultrasonic scalers, and aspirators exist in the dental clinic, and they generate noise with high decibel levels in a complex way. Through this study, we survey the discomfort and hearing changes on patients and dental staff, and compare and analyze the sound insulation effect of each noise cancelling product for various noises. Materials and Methods: This study is a multi-faceted evaluation of noise generated in the dental treatment. First, patients and dental staffs were surveyed through the Gallup Korea Research Institute. Afterwards, subjective evaluations of various noise cancelling earphones for dental noises were conducted by VAS scales. Results: In this study, more than 50% of patients, dentists, and dental hygienists feel uncomfortable about dental noise, and more than 70% of the respondents say that they had interrupted in communication due to noise. In both the dentist and non-dentist groups, when noise-cancelling earphones were used for high-speed and low-speed handpieces and suction noise, a decrease in VAS value was confirmed. Regarding the scaler noise, the increase or decrease of the VAS value was different depending on the products. Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that noise generated in a dental treatment can cause emotional discomfort to both patients and dental staff, and both are aware of the possibility of hearing impairment. And it is necessary to consider the sound isolation device optimized for each noise.