Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
JOURNAL OF HEALTH SCIENCES AND MEDICINE, cilt.9, sa.2, ss.447-451, 2026 (TRDizin)
Aims: This study aimed to identify noise sources in a high-volume level 1 dentistry hospital and to evaluate the perceived effects
of noise exposure on dental professionals.
Methods: This questionnaire-based cross-sectional study included dental professionals working in a level 1 dentistry hospital. A
structured survey consisting of 18 questions (3 demographic, 2 open-ended, and 13 multiple-choice), developed by the authors
based on relevant literature, was used. Data regarding demographic characteristics, working conditions, noise sources, hearing-
related symptoms, and perceived effects of noise on work performance were collected. Chi-square tests were used for statistical
analysis, with p<0.05 considered statistically significant.
Results: A total of 237 participants were included. The most frequently reported noise sources were environmental noise
(85.7%), aspirators (84.0%), external noise (83.1%), and high-speed handpieces (81.0%). Difficulty understanding speech in
noisy environments was reported by 59.1% of participants, while 57.8% reported tinnitus or ringing sensations. Difficulty
understanding speech (p=0.008) and the perceived negative impact of noise on work motivation and quality (p=0.022) differed
significantly across age groups. Although 68.4% of participants were aware of the risk of noise-induced hearing loss, only 2.5%
reported using hearing protection during clinical practice.
Conclusion: Noise exposure in high-volume dental hospitals is a prevalent occupational issue arising not only from dental
instruments but also from environmental and organizational factors. This exposure is associated with a high prevalence of
hearing-related symptoms and perceived impairment in work performance among dental professionals.
Keywords: Noise exposure, dental professionals, occupational health, hearing-related symptoms, work performance