# Patients' Perceptions of Sound and Noise Dimensions in the Dental Clinic Soundscape
## 4 Discussion
### Types of Noise Related to Disturbance and Feelings of Anxiety in the Dental Soundscape  
Considering the psychological and physiological repercussions of noise exposure, it becomes evident that maintaining a controlled acoustic environment in dental clinics is paramount. Our participants commented on the sounds from other patients and their impersonal personnel and communication as a lack of quality in their dental journey [47]. Specifically, most respondents (44%) agreed that they would feel dissatisfaction if the staff of a dental clinic treated them impersonally and failed to explain the treatment plan. Significant concerns also revolve around the way staff address patients, particularly when perceived as impolite and when overhearing others in pain (41.8%). These situations not only lead to dissatisfaction but also raise stress levels and decrease relaxation, as noted already [48]. Our data highlights that dental patients value conduct, communication, and noise levels in the dental office, as well as other patients' responses to treatment, recognizing their impact on emotional well-being and comfort during visits [6; 8; 11]. Relationship between Patient Demographics and Their Experience of Disturbance and Anxiety Caused by Noise in the Dental Soundscape  
In this study, there are connections between demographic/psychographic factors and noise sensitivity/disturbance, adding to research on age, gender, education, health,and perceptual experiences in healthcare [1; 3; 4; 5; 49; 50; 51; 52]. Females dominate our sample, and this is consistent with studies showing gender-specific links to noise sensitivity and health [1; 3; 49; 50]. We also found a correlation between female gender and noise sensitivity, echoing previous research suggesting women may be more sensitive to noise [49; 50]. Further, the age distribution in our study hints at generational differences in preferences, with older age correlating with heightened noise sensitivity influenced by aging-related health factors [4; 51]. Younger individuals are more bothered by machine noise, possibly due to increased exposure to technology like smartphones [52]. This raises concerns about technology's impact on our sensory experiences and reactions to environmental stimuli [52]. Further, multiple linear regression analyses utilized in this study to detect the most substantial associations between music preferences and health status, as well as noise disturbance, produced some interesting yet strange results. For example, the clearer perception of external sounds while using music players and aversion to Greek folk songs were related to better perceived health; that is to say, participants who listen to music at lower volumes and do not like Greek folk music reported better health in this study. Since the data are cross-sectional, no cause-and-effect relationship between these variables could be assumed, yet they may provide insights into more complicated effects [53]. For example, the preference for listening to Greek folk music was more prevalent in female participants of this study. At the same time, female participants reported poorer health and higher noise sensitivity compared to male participants. Hence, the associations between folk music preference, perception of external sounds, and health status may depict a more complex relationship between gender, music preference in dental offices, and health status or may be limited to the particularities of this specific sample. More research in larger samples is needed to account for these relationships. Additionally, we found that opting for private clinics over university clinics is associated with a younger demographic, possibly reflecting the preferences of Generation \(Z\) for exclusive, quality service [54]. Younger individuals may favor private clinics for their shorter treatment plans and faster service. Higher education levels are also linked to private clinic visits, consistent with prior research [12].