Exposure to noise in orthopaedic theatres – do we need protection?

Siverdeen, Z.
Ali, A.
Lakdawala, A. S.
McKay, C.

¹Trauma & Orthopaedics, Royal Orthopaedic Hospital, Bristol Road South, Northfields, Birmingham, UK
²Heart of England NHS Trust, Bordesley Green East, Bordesley Green, Birmingham, UK
³School of Psychological Sciences, Audiology & Deafness Group, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK

Correspondence to: Ayaz Lakdawala, 123 – Arnold Road, Shirley, Solihull B90 3JT, UK. Tel.: 07962017751 (mobile); + 121 685 4156 (Hospital); Fax: +44 2085591161; Email: [email protected]

Disclosures The authors have declared that they have no interests which might be perceived as posing a conflict or bias.

Paper received November 2007, accepted December 2007

International Journal of Clinical Practice 62(11):p 1720-1722, November 2008.

SUMMARY

Aim

To detect noise levels, generated by high-powered tools in orthopaedic theatres at varying distances from the operating site, and its impact on hearing in staff and patients.

Methods

Sound-level meter was used to measure the sound level generated by various high-powered tools in routine orthopaedic procedures, at varying distances from the operating site. These recorded noise levels were compared against the UK noise safety guidelines.

Result

We found that the noise generated was often significantly higher than the safety guidelines.

Conclusion

Noise levels in orthopaedic theatres can be at unacceptable levels, which could potentially lead to hearing problems in the staff and patients. We believe that all patients, especially the elderly patients, (who are more prone to hearing problems) should have hearing protection during orthopaedic operations that use high-powered tools. Surgeons and scrubbed theatre staff should take precautions.