INBDE (Integrated National Board Dental Examination) Practice Exam

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Prepare for the Integrated National Board Dental Examination with interactive quizzes and comprehensive testing materials. Boost your confidence and performance on the exam by utilizing tailored resources designed for dental professionals.

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How much dB can potentially cause hearing loss over time?

  1. 75 dB

  2. 85 dB

  3. 90 dB

  4. 100 dB

The correct answer is: 90 dB

Exposure to loud noise can cause permanent damage to the sensitive structures of the inner ear, leading to hearing loss. The higher the decibel (dB) level, the shorter amount of time it takes for damage to occur. While 75 dB can begin to cause some harm after 8 hours of exposure, 85 dB can cause damage after only 2 hours. 90 dB can cause damage after only 30 minutes of exposure, making it the correct answer as the amount of time spent exposed to that level of noise can have a significant impact on the potential for hearing loss over time. This means that options A, B, and D are incorrect as they have a lower dB level and therefore a longer exposure time before reaching the same level of harmful impact.