Is it noisy living near a hospital? How noisy is it bad for your health? Are there ways to reduce the noise? We’ll look at the causes of noise pollution in the environment, as well as how to measure noise levels. Read on to find out how to live near a hospital without having to endure the noise. You’ll be surprised at the results. You’ll also learn about the noise-reducing features of double-glazed windows.
Noise levels in a hospital environment
The current World Health Organization Guidelines for noise are based on the equivalent sound pressure level (Leq) of airborne particles, a unit which measures the intensity of sound. A noise survey was conducted at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland. The results indicate a significant problem. No Johns Hopkins Hospital location complied with the guidelines, and the objective data indicate similar situations in hospitals around the world. The noise survey results revealed that the spectral profile was generally flat over a wide frequency range, with higher levels at lower frequencies. Noise levels in a hospital environment, on average, exceeded the World Health Organization’s limit for indoor air pollution.
The WHO and the American Academy of Pediatrics have published standard values for the amount of noise in a hospital. The WHO noise values are more stringent than the EPA, which considers a patient’s overall well-being. Both EPA and WHO are pioneers in creating standards for noise levels in a hospital environment. Although the WHO recommendations are widely followed in hospitals, the actual noise levels often exceed these levels.
Effects of noise on health
One of the most disturbing health impacts of living near a hospital is the noise pollution that it produces. Studies show that the noise levels in the intensive care unit are over 100 dB, equivalent to listening to very loud music with headphones. Noise pollution can cause annoyance and fatigue, and it may lead to poor healing and even psychosis. It can also affect hospital staff, causing health problems such as heart disease and high blood pressure. Sadly, progress in combating noise pollution has been slow and piecemeal.
The researchers found that a lack of sleep may contribute to stress and increased heart disease. Additionally, a lack of sleep may cause patients to suffer from intense care psychosis, which is a complication similar to delirium. In addition to increasing stress levels, noise can make patients more sensitive to pain and exacerbate mental health problems, leading to a longer stay in the hospital. These effects are not only damaging to their mental well-being, but can also have a detrimental impact on their recovery.
Methods of measuring noise levels in a hospital environment
Identifying the sources of noise is crucial to assessing exposure risks, especially in hospitals. The physical vulnerability of patients and the high levels of stress present in hospitals make noise measurements particularly important. Extreme levels of noise can impede patient recovery and affect the work of healthcare workers. In this review, we have summarized some of the main methods used to measure noise levels in hospitals. The methods employed in these studies vary by area of specialization.
A systematic review of published studies on environmental noise in hospitals found a median noise level of 63.73 dB(A) at the emergency room and 57.1 dB(A) in the surgical wards. These studies also found that the maximum levels were significantly higher than those recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) and ABNT, respectively. As a result, it is imperative to ensure that hospital staff members are aware of the sources of noise and take action to minimize its impact.
Sources of noise pollution in a hospital environment
There are a number of sources of noise pollution in a hospital environment, including conversations between hospital staff and complex medical equipment. To minimize the impact of noise on patients and employees, hospitals can educate hospital staff about the adverse effects of noise, adjust nursing care practices, and improve equipment designs. The authors found that conversations among hospital staff accounted for the majority of excessive noise levels in ICUs. In addition, the combined noise from several ongoing TV programs adds to the clatter and can be a source of noise pollution.
In addition to the detrimental effects of noise on patients, noise in hospitals can have a detrimental effect on hospital staff. One recent study found that hospital staff experiencing noise during the day were significantly different from those working during the night. However, the two groups had no statistical differences in the number of hours spent in bed during the day. According to the researchers, noise levels that disturb patients’ sleep can lead to increased heart rate and blood pressure, lower oxygen saturation, and slower wound healing. Further, higher noise levels can result in higher costs associated with longer recovery periods for patients.
