Objectives: Previous publications have suggested that prolonged exposure to extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) may lead to hearing damage and that hearing protection should be used. We sought to determine the auditory risk associated with ESWL in regard to patients and operating room personnel in a contemporary setting.
Methods: A single day study was performed during which 5 patients were treated with ESWL via a Dornier Compact Delta lithotripter (Dornier MedTech America Inc, Kennesaw, Georgia). A sound level meter was used to evaluate the noise exposure to the patient, ESWL technician, anesthesia personnel, and the treating urologist. Multiple readings were taken at each station and during each treatment session while the patient was treated at maximum intensity level. These recordings were then averaged and referenced to published Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards.
Results: The greatest level of noise exposure was found to be at the head of the patient, with an average reading of 89 decibels (dB). The readings at the lithotripter technician's station averaged 84 dB. The anesthetist and urologist were exposed to average sound levels of 81 and 79 dB, respectively. All readings at each evaluated station evidenced a level of exposure considered safe by OSHA standards, which permit 8 hours of exposure to 90 dB per day.
Conclusions: Contemporary ESWL does not pose a significant auditory hazard to either the patient or operating room personnel by OSHA standards. Thus, in reference to these standards, hearing protection for the parties involved is not considered mandatory.