# Patients' Perceptions of Sound and Noise Dimensions in the Dental Clinic Soundscape
## 4 Discussion
### Predictors of Disturbance and Feelings of Anxiety Due to Noise in the Dental Soundscape  
Finally, our findings emphasize the importance of customizing sound interventions to individual preferences for a more positive patient experience in dental offices. About 29.90% of respondents prefer specific music playlists while waiting, echoing the significance of considering music preferences to reduce stress [59]. Patients often express a desire to choose their own music and adjust volume levels, suggesting the use of headphones for personalized music experiences [27; 60]. Our data also shed light on participants' music player usage and behaviors, with radio being a popular choice due to its accessibility and diverse content, as mentioned elsewhere [16]. Associations between volume preferences, health status, and noise disturbance in our study further highlight the complex interplay between individual traits and environmental factors [31; 61]. Predictors of better health include visiting university clinics and younger age, suggesting the clinical environment's influence on patients' well-being [37].  
This study has limitations worth considering in future research. The cross-sectional design offers only a static view of participant experiences, hindering causal relationship establishment. So, longitudinal designs could better capture dynamics over time. It is also important to mention that in this study, no acoustic parameters were considered since both public and private clinics are working places with no exaggerated needs for acoustics, as in concert hall areas, to interpret sound halo and other effects that could possibly interfere with noise levels thus providing to our participants a misleading environment for sound estimation [8]. Furthermore, no construction materials of the study areas were assessed since all clinics were more than 50 years old, and no renovation of building walls has ever been performed except for the inside design constructions. Additionally, reliance on self-report measures may introduce response bias. Future studies should incorporate objective measures and observational data. Also, this study's generalizability is limited due to sample homogeneity and small size, urging broader participant recruitment. Qualitative methods could finally enhance understanding of patients' emotional experiences.  
Future investigations should aim for a different representation of diverse dental care settings to provide a wider understanding of patient experiences across various dental contexts and could make use of [PERSON]'s noise sensitivity scale as a tool to search for individuals' affective reactions and attitudes to both general noise and daily environmental sounds [62]. Despite limitations, this study suggests an interesting research model for future studies to track changes in dental patients' noise experiences and preferences during dental appointments. Understanding the way that dental soundscapes impact patients' well-being across different dental settings or procedures would contribute to broader and better-quality dental healthcare practices.