Abstract
Background
Orthopaedic surgeons are exposed to high levels of noise when performing common surgical procedures. Noise induced hearing loss (NIHL) has been demonstrated amongst senior orthopaedic staff. The objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence of hearing loss amongst arthroplasty surgeons compared to non-surgical clinicians and explore the factors associated with hearing loss.
Methods
A cross-sectional prevalence study. Arthroplasty surgeons and non-surgical clinicians were recruited from orthopaedic and medical conferences.
All participants were given a paper questionnaire including demographic details, hearing history and Tinnitus and Hearing Survey (THS). All participants were screened for hearing loss in a quiet room using the HearCheck Screener™ (Siemens, UK).
Logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with hearing loss. All statistical models were adjusted for age, gender, smoking status and personal noise exposure. A power calculation estimated a sample size of 100 participants.
Results
The HEARS study recruited 189 participants (107 arthroplasty surgeons; 82 non-surgical clinicians). Prevalence of hearing loss identified by the HearCheck Screener™; 31% arthroplasty surgeons vs 11% non-surgical clinicians. The odds of failing the HearCheck Screener™ were 3.7 times higher in arthroplasty surgeons compared to their non-surgical colleagues (p<0.004).
Similarly, the odds of self-reported hearing loss were 2.79 times higher amongst arthroplasty surgeons (p<0.003).
Conclusion
The prevalence of hearing loss amongst arthroplasty surgeons is significantly higher than their non-surgical colleagues. Noise generated during arthroplasty surgery should be recognised and managed to create safer working conditions.
