Ayoola, M; Abelleyra Lastoria, DA; Casey, L; Dardak, S; Rupra, R; Hing, CB; Radcliffe, S; Kellett, C
(2024)
Noise in operating theatres, is it safe?
Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery.
ISSN 1434-3916
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00402-024-05489-x
SGUL Authors: Hing, Caroline Blanca
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Abstract
Introduction Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) is a condition caused by repeated exposure to loud noise, with operating theatre personnel potentially at risk. The aims of this study were to establish the typical noise levels in orthopaedic theatres and to compare these to The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005. Materials and methods We measured the average noise levels in 40 trauma and orthopaedic surgeries in a single centre. We used the Decibel X app to take measurements, then performed corrections to ascertain noise levels at the surgeon’s ear (Leq). The daily noise exposure level for theatre staff for each procedure (LEP, d) and the LEP, d over an average 8-hour working day when performing different groups of procedures were calculated. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, ANOVA, t-test and the Pearson coefficient of correlation. Results The LEP, d lower action value (80 dBA) as set by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) was met by performing a single revision total knee replacement or a right open ankle debridement. Assuming three procedures are conducted per list, lists consisting of joint replacements (82 dBA) or medium elective procedures (81 dBA) exceed this lower limit. Additionally, lists comprising large and medium bone fractures would be within 1 dB of the limit (79 dBA and 79 dBA, respectively). Soft tissue (74 dBA), arthroscopic (73 dBA), and small bone fracture (71 dBA) procedures had the lowest LEP, d. The greatest contributors to noise levels were surgical instruments. The number of people in the room made a significant difference to noise levels (p = 0.032). Conclusions We have established the baseline noise levels in various orthopaedic procedures. Measures should be taken to meet UK regulations. Further research should determine suitable measures for protection from hearing damage for theatre staff and evaluate the risks high noise levels pose to patients.
Item Type: | Article | ||||||
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Additional Information: | © The Author(s) 2024 Open Access This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License, which permits use, sharing, adaptation, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, as long as you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons licence, and indicate if changes were made. The images or other third party material in this article are included in the article’s Creative Commons licence, unless indicated otherwise in a credit line to the material. If material is not included in the article’s Creative Commons licence and your intended use is not permitted by statutory regulation or exceeds the permitted use, you will need to obtain permission directly from the copyright holder. To view a copy of this licence, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/. | ||||||
Keywords: | 1103 Clinical Sciences, Orthopedics | ||||||
Journal or Publication Title: | Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery | ||||||
ISSN: | 1434-3916 | ||||||
Language: | en | ||||||
Dates: |
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Publisher License: | Creative Commons: Attribution 4.0 | ||||||
URI: | https://openaccess.sgul.ac.uk/id/eprint/116734 | ||||||
Publisher's version: | https://doi.org/10.1007/s00402-024-05489-x |
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