(A726) Noisy Airways: How Loud Is High-Frequency Jet Ventilation During Airway Procedures in the Operating Room?

Introduction: Operating room (OR) noise levels pose potential risks to surgical teams and patients. This study evaluated noise levels produced by high-frequency jet ventilation (HFJV) during airway procedures and assessed whether they reached hazardous levels that would require hearing protection for patients and OR staff.

Methods: This was a prospective study conducted from October 2024 to the present to determine noise levels that patients and OR staff were exposed to while HFJV was utilized during airway procedures. Patients undergoing airway surgeries where automatic HFJV at 120 breaths/minute was utilized were included in the study. Noise levels were recorded with the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Sound Level Meter app. Measurements were taken from positions of the patient, surgeon, scrub nurse, and anesthesiologist. Average (LAeq) and maximum (LCPeak) noise levels were recorded and compared to NIOSH recommended exposure limits.

Results: Noise levels were measured during nine separate surgeries. Mean±SD LAeq and LCPeak when using HFJV was 88.2±2.0dB and 105.1±2.8dB for the patient, 83.6±4.5dB and 101.7±4.0dB for the surgeon, 74.6±4.2dB and 95.3±3.0dB for the scrub nurse, and 75.1±2.8dB and 95.7±3.1dB for the anesthesiologist. Mean±SD distance of measurement from the HFJV for the patient, surgeon, scrub nurse, and anesthesiologist was 20±0cm, 62.8±5.7cm, 106.1±19.6cm, and 145.6±5.2cm, respectively. On average, procedures lasted for 57.9±19.8 minutes, and HFJV was on for 16.2±4.7 minutes per procedure.

Conclusions: In this study, the noise levels from HFJV use did not surpass NIOSH exposure limits of 85dB for 8 hours, 94dB for 1 hour, or 140dB maximum impulse, therefore hearing protection is not necessary during these cases. However, HFJV noise remains considerable and may still challenge OR communication and concentration, particularly during prolonged surgeries. Further investigation is warranted to explore the impact of noise exposure on OR personnel’s auditory fatigue and team performance.