Correct option is B
· Intermittent noise refers to sound that starts and stops at irregular intervals, creating periods of sound and silence.
· The sound generated by a dentist's drill is not constant throughout the procedure but occurs in bursts as the dentist starts and stops the drill while working on different areas. This makes it a typical example of intermittent noise.
Why the other options are incorrect:
1. Steady state noise:
· This is a continuous and uniform noise over a period without breaks or pauses.
· A dentist’s drill does not produce a continuous sound, as it is operated intermittently.
2. Impulse noise:
· Refers to short, sudden, high-intensity noises such as gunshots or fireworks.
· The dentist's drill produces a sound of moderate intensity over longer periods, not quick bursts of high energy.
3. Impact noise:
· Caused by the collision of objects, such as a hammer striking a nail.
· The drill sound is produced by its rotary mechanism, not by impacts.
Additional Knowledge: 1. Types of Noise:
· Steady state noise: Constant and uninterrupted, e.g., air conditioning systems.
· Intermittent noise: Irregular sound interruptions, e.g., drills, alarms.
· Impulse noise: Short, high-intensity sounds, e.g., gunshots or fireworks.
· Impact noise: Collision sounds, e.g., hammering, dropping heavy objects.
2. Health Impacts of Intermittent Noise:
· May cause mild to moderate hearing loss with prolonged exposure.
· Causes more psychological irritation than steady noise due to unpredictability.
3. Noise in Dental Clinics:
· Dental drills operate at 70–85 dB, which is below OSHA’s permissible exposure limit (90 dB for an 8-hour day).
· However, frequent intermittent noise can still lead to discomfort or stress.
4. Noise Mitigation Techniques:
· Use of soundproofing materials in clinics.
· Introduction of quieter equipment and noise-canceling technology.