Hearing loss associated with long-term exposure to high-speed dental handpieces

Self-Instruction Exercise No. 369
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Exercise No. 369
Subject Code: 550
Practice Management & Human Relations

The 15 questions for this exercise are based on the article, Hearing loss associated with long-term exposure to high-speed dental handpieces, on pages 71-76. This exercise was developed by Robert A. Busto, DMD, MBA, FAGD, in association with the General Dentistry Self-Instruction committee.

Reading the article and successfully completing this exercise will enable you to:

  • learn about noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL);
  • understand the risk of NIHL among dental professionals; and
  • follow recommended methods to prevent NIHL.

Answers for this exercise must be received by April 30, 2016.
  1. The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders claims that approximately ____% of Americans between the ages of 20 and 69 have high frequency hearing loss that may have been caused by exposure to loud sounds or noise at work or in leisure activities.

    A. 5
    B. 10
    C. 15
    D. 20

  2. According to OSHA, the maximum permissible exposure limit (PEL) in an 8-hour day should not exceed _____ decibels sound pressure level using an A-weighted scale (dBA SPL).

    A. 90
    B. 95
    C. 100
    D. 105

  3. OSHA recommends a maximum of _____dBA SPL for a 4-hour PEL.

    A. 90
    B. 95
    C. 100
    D. 105

  4. High frequencies become audible below ________ Hz.

    A. 21,000
    B. 20,000
    C. 19,000
    D. 18,000

  5. _____ exposure, _____ intensity will likely contribute most  to auditory dysfunction.

    A. Long; high
    B. Short; high
    C. Long; low
    D. Short; low

  6. According to the OSHA standard, the PEL for 105 dB is _____ hour(s).

    A. 4
    B. 3
    C. 2
    D. 1

  7. Because dental professionals do not use high-speed handpieces continuously during the workday, they do not usually exceed OSHA’s PEL. Additional sources of loud sounds in a clinic, such as suction devices being used in nearby operatories, will not increase risk for developing NIHL.

    A. Both statements are true.
    B. The first statement is true; the second is false.
    C. The first statement is false; the second is true.
    D. Both statements are false.

  8. The noise-induced hearing loss exhibited by dental clinicians was characterized by elevated auditory thresholds at __________Hz.

    A. 4000-6000
    B. 7000-9000
    C. 10,000-12,000
    D. 13,000-15,000

  9. The ADA Council on Dental Materials and Devices recommends that preventive measures for noise attenuation should include “personal protection through the use of ear plugs.” Additionally, the Council recommended that “practitioners concerned about the potential impairment should have an audiometric evaluation in a silent room to assess the present condition.”

    A. Both statements are true.
    B. The first statement is true; the second is false.
    C. The first statement is false; the second is true.
    D. Both statements are false.

  10. All of the following pure tone audiometric frequencies were collected except one. Which is the exception?

    A. 500 Hz
    B. 1500 Hz
    C. 3000 Hz
    D. 6000 Hz

  11. _______ dental clinicians who regularly used high-speed handpieces were included in the study.

    A. Twenty
    B. Sixteen
    C. Thirteen
    D. Eight

  12. All of the following are reasons given for failing to use hearing protection devices except one. Which is the exception?

    A. fear they will interfere with communication
    B. negative feedback from coworkers or patients
    C. belief that noise levels from dental instruments will not damage hearing
    D. high cost is prohibitive

  13. All of the following factors associated with dental handpieces increase the risk of NIHL except one. Which is the exception?

    A. variations in frequency composition of the noise
    B. number of hours per week the device is used
    C. proper maintenance of the devices
    D. sound intensity over time

  14. Attenuating _______ db of noise generated by handheld instruments is enough to reduce a clinician’s risk of developing NIHL.

    A. 5
    B. 10
    C. 15
    D. 20

  15. Ambient noise levels can be reduced by all of the following except one. Which is the exception?

    A. acoustical ceilings
    B. baffle drapes
    C. marble floors
    D. soundproofing

Evaluation
Please respond to the statements below, using the following scale:
1 Poor; 2 Below average; 3 Average; 4 Above average; 5 Excellent
Practicality of the content 1 2 3 4 5
Benefit to your clinical practice 1 2 3 4 5
Quality of illustrations 1 2 3 4 5
Clarity of objectives 1 2 3 4 5
Clarity of exercise questions 1 2 3 4 5
Relevance of exercise questions 1 2 3 4 5
 
Did this exercise achieve its objectives? Yes No
Did this article present new information? Yes No
How much time did it take you to complete this exercise? mins

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