Noise levels in a tertiary care hospital.
Noise Health
;
2008 Jan-Mar; 10(38): 11-3
Article
in English
| IMSEAR
| ID: sea-122026
ABSTRACT
High levels of noise in hospitals may interfere with patient care services, the doctor-patient relationship and medical education activities. The aim of this study was to assess the noise level at different places in a tertiary care hospital and suggest measures to reduce the noise. Sound levels of fourteen places inside the hospital were recorded using a Digital Sound Level Meter . A total of 20 readings were taken at three minute intervals between successive recordings during the morning (9 to 10 a.m.) and evening hours (6 to 7 p.m.) and analyzed using simple descriptive statistics. The mean equivalent sound pressure levels (Leq) during the morning and evening hours were 70.38 and 64.46 dB(A) respectively. During the morning hours, the maximum Leq was observed in the mortuary (76.70 dBA) whereas the minimum Leq was in the intensive care unit (I.C.U) (58.34 dBA). The maximum and minimum Leq during evening hours were recorded at O.G (Obstetrics and Gynecology) ward (71.86 dBA) and mortuary (57.08 dBA) respectively. The morning hours showed higher levels of noise in most of the places probably due to overcrowding and higher vehicular movement. This study highlights the need for noise monitoring and control measures inside hospital areas.
Full text:
Available
Index:
IMSEAR (South-East Asia)
Main subject:
Humans
/
Environmental Monitoring
/
Health Facility Environment
/
Hospitals
/
India
/
Noise
Country/Region as subject:
Asia
Language:
English
Journal:
Noise Health
Journal subject:
Audiology
Year:
2008
Type:
Article
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