Clinician Perceptions of 4 Hearing Protection Devices

Common equipment in the dental operatory generate cumulative noise at sufficient decibel levels that can damage hearing. Although noise exposure in the dental office is typically intermittent, dentists and other dental care providers have been shown to be at risk of hearing loss. This article provides dentist-generated insight to use when incorporating hearing protection devices during dental practice. Four hearing protection devices (HPDs) were provided to 15 dentists in randomized sequence for evaluation. Perceptions were gathered via questionnaires and analyzed to determine mean ratings and product preferences. Battery requirements of electronic HPDs were also examined. Qualitative assessments of the HPDs evaluated are presented, including dentist preferences and recommendations. There were statistically significant differences (P ≤ 0.0031) among the HPDs in terms of ease of insertion, aesthetics, ability to hear while using a handpiece, and the openness of the ear. Battery life was not found to differ...