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Characterizing noise and perceived work environment in a neurological intensive care unit

J. Acoust. Soc. Am. Volume 123, Issue 2, pp. 747-756 (February 2008)

Issue Date: February 2008
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Erica E. Ryherd and Kerstin Persson Waye
Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Department of Public Health and Community, Göteborg University, Box 414, 405 30 Göteborg, Sweden

Linda Ljungkvist
Institute of Health and Care Sciences, Göteborg University, Box 457, 405 30 Göteborg, Sweden
The hospital sound environment is complex. Alarms, medical equipment, activities, and ventilation generate noise that may present occupational problems as well as hinder recovery among patients. In this study, sound measurements and occupant evaluations were conducted in a neurological intensive care unit. Staff completed questionnaires regarding psychological and physiological reactions to the sound environment. A-weighted equivalent, minimum, and maximum (LAeq,LAFMin,LAFMax) and C-weighted peak (LCPeak) sound pressure levels were measured over five days at patient and staff locations. Acoustical descriptors that may be explored further were investigated, including level distributions, restorative periods, and spectral content. Measurements near the patients showed average LAeq values of 53–58  dB. The mean length of restorative periods (LAeq below 50  dB for more than 5  min) was 9 and 13  min for day and night, respectively. Ninety percent of the time, the LAFMax levels exceeded 50  dB and LCPeak exceeded 70  dB. Dosimeters worn by the staff revealed higher noise levels. Personnel perceived the noise as contributing to stress symptoms. Compared to the majority of previous studies, this study provides a more thorough description of intensive care noise and aids in understanding how the sound environment may be disruptive to occupants.

©2008 Acoustical Society of America
History: Received 29 June 2007; accepted 17 November 2007
Permalink: http://dx.doi.org/10.1121/1.2822661

KEYWORDS and PACS

Keywords
PACS
  • 43.50.Jh
    Acoustic noise in buildings and general machinery noise
  • 43.55.Gx
    Acoustic studies of existing auditoria and enclosures
  • YEAR: 2008

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PUBLICATION DATA

ISSN:
0001-4966 (print)  
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