Medizinische Universität Graz - Research portal
Selected Publication:
SHR Neuro Cancer Cardio Lipid Metab Microb
Luxenberger, W; Lahousen, T; Walch, C.
Suction-generated noise in an anatomic silicon ear model.
Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 2012; 269(10):2291-2293
Doi: 10.1007/s00405-012-2090-8
Web of Science
PubMed
FullText
FullText_MUG
- Leading authors Med Uni Graz
- Luxenberger Wolfgang
- Co-authors Med Uni Graz
- Lahousen-Luxenberger Theresa
- Walch Christian
- Altmetrics:
- Dimensions Citations:
- Plum Analytics:
- Scite (citation analytics):
- Abstract:
- The objectives of this study were to evaluate noise levels generated during micro-suction aural toilet using an anatomic silicon ear model. It is an experimental study. In an anatomic ear model made of silicone, the eardrum was replaced by a 1-cm diameter microphone of a calibrated sound-level measuring device. Ear wax was removed using the sucker of a standard ENT treatment unit (Atmos Servant 5(®)). Mean and peak sound levels during the suction procedure were recorded with suckers of various diameters (Fergusson-Frazier 2.7-4 mm as well as Rosen 1.4-2.5 mm). Average noise levels during normal suction in a distance of 1 cm in front of the eardrum ranged between 97 and 103.5 dB(A) (broadband noise). Peak noise levels reached 118 dB(A). During partial obstruction of the sucker by cerumen or dermal flakes, peak noise levels reached 146 dB(A). Peak noise levels observed during the so-called clarinet phenomena were independent of the diameter or type of suckers used. Although micro-suction aural toilet is regarded as an established, widespread and usually safe method to clean the external auditory canal, some caution seems advisable. The performance of long-lasting suction periods straight in front of the eardrum without sound-protecting earwax between sucker and eardrum should be avoided. In particular, when clarinet phenomena are occurring (as described above), the suction procedure should be aborted immediately. In the presence of dermal flakes blocking the auditory canal, cleaning with micro-forceps or other non-suctioning instruments might represent a reasonable alternative.
- Find related publications in this database (using NLM MeSH Indexing)
- Adult -
- Cerumen -
- Equipment Design -
- Hearing Loss, Noise-Induced - prevention & control
- Hearing Loss, Sensorineural - prevention & control
- Humans -
- Male -
- Models, Anatomic -
- Suction - instrumentation
- Therapeutic Irrigation - instrumentation
- Tinnitus - prevention & control
- Find related publications in this database (Keywords)
- Aural toilet
- Micro-suction
- Noise levels
- Cerumen