Risks and Awareness of NIHL Among Dental Students: A Scoping Review
Liepollo Ntlhakana, Mpho Matlakale MoleteABSTRACT
Background and Aims
Although noise exposure levels in the dental professional sector may be considered low when compared to other occupations, noise prevention strategies, especially for the students, are necessary to conserve hearing for this population group. The current scoping review aimed to ascertain the risks and awareness of NIHL among dental students globally.
Methods
The review selected articles from 2014 to 2025, including both quantitative and qualitative studies, existing systematic reviews, and grey literature. The PCC (Population, Concept, Context) framework was used to guide the articles' eligibility criteria. Databases included PubMed, CINAHL, ProQuest, Scopus, Web of Science, and EBSCO Host. The Covidence data extraction tool, which enabled consensus checking, was used to guide the extraction process, and studies were reported according to the PRISMA guidelines. Sixty‐nine studies were initially extracted, and after screening, 10 met the study criteria. Thematic analysis was used to synthesize the narrative data.
Results
Of the 10 studies analyzed, eight indicated risks associated with NIHL among undergraduate students. The use of high‐speed handpieces during clinical training increased the risk for NIHL, with some students reporting symptoms such as tinnitus following the use of the equipment. Four articles reported on the awareness of noise exposure levels and associated risk for NIHL among the students.
Conclusion
The review suggested that there was a risk of NIHL among dental students, particularly linked to cumulative noise exposure. However, awareness of NIHL among the students was poor; therefore, early identification, risk assessment, and awareness of the risks at undergraduate training are necessary for the active prevention of hearing loss. There is a need to encourage listening behaviors that promote awareness towards the prevention of NIHL for this group of students.