ABSTRACT
Purpose@#The purpose of this study was to analyze noise experience and response to noise by patients and nursing staff in intensive care units (ICU). @*Methods@#This study was a cross-sectional survey based on questionnaires administered to patients and staff in ICU to analyze the perceived noise level in the ICU environment, frequency of noise experience and noise level emitted by different sources, noise induced discomfort, response to noise, and the quality of sleep. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent t-test, ANOVA, and Pearson's correlation coefficient. @*Results@#Regarding the frequency of experience and noise levels emitted by various sources, patients carried the maximum number of human factors, and staff carried the highest number of medical devices or medical supplies. The quality of sleep caused by noise in patients was lower. Based on the correlation between the various variables, the higher the perceived noise level in the ICU environment, the higher the response to the noise (positive correlation) and the lower the quality of sleep (negative correlation). @*Conclusion@#Based on the results of this study, a follow-up study is suggested to compare perceived noise levels of patients and staff. Practical strategies are needed to reduce noise based on noise levels and sources of noise experienced by ICU patients and staff.