Decibel levels during extracorporeal lithotripsy for salivary stones

Purpose: To determine the decibel sound pressure levels generated during extracorporeal lithotripsy for salivary stones, and if such lithotriptor noise levels have the potential for acoustic trauma. Patients and materials: Minilith SL-1 salivary gland lithotriptor, sound level meter; five patient survey. Methods: Decibel measurements were conducted on the lithotripter-generated sounds, using a sound level meter at specific distances from the active element. In addition, a patient survey was conducted as a cross-reference, to enable comparison of predicted results with actual human perception of sound levels. Results: Sound levels ranged between 68 and 80 dB during treatment sessions, for both the lithotriptor operator and the patient. Conclusion: During routine use, no acoustic trauma is incurred by either the lithotriptor operator or the patient.