ESTUDIO AUDIOLÓGICO EN ODONTÓLOGOS QUE LABORAN EN LAS ÁREAS CLÍNICAS DE LA FACULTAD DE ODONTOLOGÍA DE LA UNIVERSIDAD DE LOS ANDES, MÉRIDA – VENEZUELA

Abstract

This study of descriptive and cross-section type, aims to know the degree in which the auditory system of dentists that work in clinical areas of the Facultad de Odontologia, at the Universidad de Los Andes is affected. Materials and Methods: This research was performedin 25 dentists working in clinical areas of the Facultad de Odontologia, at the Universidad de Los Andes, Mérida - Venezuela, and in private practice. An audiometric test was applied to thesampleto know the hearing level, and a survey to collect information on their work activities. Results: With the obtained data, a statistical analysis was made yielding as result that 4% of the studied population presented acoustic trauma in both ears. A 20% are at risk for the disease in their left ear and 8% in the right ear. Conclusion: As a conclusion, in dental practice, protective actions against noise to prevent acoustic trauma or irreversible neurosensorial hearing lossshould be followed.