Noise levels in Greek hospitals.

ABSTRACT

High noise levels have been recognized as a serious problem in hospital environments during both night- and daytime, and have been associated with a negative impact on patients' health status. The aim of this study was to measure and detect differences in noise levels between an ICU and a pulmonary ward in two general hospitals in Greece. Methods: Noise measurements were recorded in one-hour intervals using the Cirrus CR 245/R2 Environmental Noise Analyzer in a 30-bed pulmonary ward and in a 16-bed general ICU for seven consecutive days. Results: Noise levels detected in the ward were significantly lower than those detected in the ICU (52.6 +/- 8.2 dB vs 59 +/- 2.2 dB, P Conclusion: Noise levels measured in the ward and in the ICU were high, significantly exceeding the highest permitted values for hospitals. The latter was more obviously recorded in the ICU.