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Scientific Oral Presentations

Care Equity, Quality, and Safety

Session: Scientific Oral Presentation 2 - Care Equity, Quality and Safety

Addressing Noise-Related Communication Barriers in Surgery and Promoting Hearing Health: A Mixed-Methods Study

Monday, October 13, 2025
8:18 AM - 8:24 AM EDT
Location: 107-108
Disclosure(s):
Sarah E. Hughes, BA:

faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

Michael J. Brenner, MD:

faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

Introduction: Effective communication in the operating room (OR) is essential for patient safety, team collaboration, and surgical outcomes. However, high noise levels and systemic barriers hinder both communication and auditory inclusivity. This study examines the prevalence of hearing and communication challenges in the OR and evaluates emerging technologies aimed at improving teamwork and communication equity.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey was distributed to OR personnel, including surgeons, anesthesiologists, residents, medical students, nurses, and staff, to assess self-reported hearing difficulties and communication barriers. Data were analyzed using mixed methods: descriptive statistics, Fisher’s exact tests, logistic regression, and thematic analysis of free-text responses.

Results: Of 225 respondents (16.2% response rate), 65% (146/225) reported frequent hearing difficulties in the OR, with the highest rates among medical students (75%, 47/62) and nurses (63%, 53/84). Noise, cited by 68% (153/225), was the primary communication barrier. Among those reporting difficulties, 32% faced challenges in every case, and 55% experienced issues daily. Baseline hearing loss was reported by 11% (25/225), with nurses having the highest prevalence (15%, 13/84; p=0.04). More than five years of OR experience increased hearing loss odds fivefold (OR: 5.0, p=0.028). Thematic analysis identified barriers: noise, hierarchy limiting advocacy, and stigma deterring accommodations. No significant association between hearing loss and age was found (p=0.68), but 87% (196/225) emphasized the need for improved communication.

Conclusions: This study reveals the widespread impact of noise-related communication barriers in the OR, driven by both environmental exposure and underlying hearing health challenges. Strategies such as noise reduction technologies, AI-driven interventions, and hearing health education can improve accessibility, protect hearing, and foster safer, more effective teamwork in surgical environments.

    Presenting Author(s)

  • Sarah E. Hughes, BA

    Medical Student
    University of Michigan Medical School
    Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States

    Disclosure(s):

    faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

    • Co-Author(s)

  • Dhruv Jain, PhD

    Assistant Professor
    University of Michigan, Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
    Ann Arbor, MI, United States

    Disclosure information not submitted.

  • Devin L. McCaslin, PhD

    Clinical Director of Communication Sciences and Disorders Program
    University of Michigan
    Ann Arbor, MI, United States

    Disclosure information not submitted.

  • Milisa Manojlovich, PhD

    Professor
    University of MIchigan
    Ann Arbor, MI, United States

    Disclosure information not submitted.

  • Michael J. Brenner, MD

    Associate Professor
    U. of Michigan Medical School
    Ann Arbor, MI, United States

    Disclosure(s):

    faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

    • Senior Author(s)

  • Michael J. Brenner, MD

    Associate Professor
    U. of Michigan Medical School
    Ann Arbor, MI, United States

    Disclosure(s):

    faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

    • Co-Author(s)

  • KS

    Kyle Sheetz, MD

    University of Michigan Department of Surgery, United States

    Disclosure information not submitted.