August 24, 2005—The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recently determined that noise exposure can be excessive for medical transcriptionists recording medical records onto computer files. NIOSH performed the health hazard evaluation at the request of a local union representing transcriptionists at several California hospitals.
Through a field evaluation and an extensive laboratory study, NIOSH investigators evaluated noise levels delivered through headsets that transcriptionists wear while recording medical records onto computer files.
NIOSH investigators determined that noise levels can be excessive when specific settings are used on the dictaphone.
NIOSH recommended strategies to reduce the noise levels and improve the clarity of the dictation and noted that it may be prudent to implement routine audiometric testing. Health Hazard Evaluation (HHE): Noise Exposures among Medical Transcriptionists
