NOISE LEVEL IN THE HOSPITAL SETTING

Aim:The aim of this study is to assess noise levels in the health care settings. IntroductionNoise is one of the important risk factors for health care workers. According to World Health Organization's guideline, 55 dB noise level may raise the risk for sleep disturbances and cardiovascular diseases. There are several studies performed in the health care settings showing that the workers might be exposed to pretty higher level of noise than that of recommendations indicated in WHO guidelines. Luzzi et al showed that the noise level could be as high as 90 dB and 60 dB(A) in average in different wards in the operation rooms(OR). Similar findings have been reported by Marius et al who showed that average noise level was 53 dB and maximum 117 dB in the emergency rooms(ER). Methods:SV104 personnel dosimeters and SV958 noise level meter were used to evaluate ambient noise levels in accordance with IS09612 standards in Dokuz Eylul University Hospital,Izmir,Turkey. Noise level was evaluated in Intensive care Units, Internal medicine departments, surgical departments, outpatient clinics and administrative departments. Of those who are non-shift workers, two separate 3 hour-continuous assessments were performed during morning and afternoon respectively in consecutive 3 days. Shift workers' exposures were assessed continuously for 8 hours out of total 16 hours working time. Findings:The following noise levels were obtained in the selected wards(LEX,8h):Sterilization unit: 80.9 dB(A),sterilization unit in OR:108.2 dB(A) (Lp,Cpeak 158 dB), Blood bank 78.2dB(A)(Lp,Cpeak 132.5 dB),ICU: 78.4 dB(A)(Lp,Cpeak 135 dB),ER:78.6 dB(A)(Lp,Cpeak 130 dB) and baby food prep unit:82.7 dB)(Lp,Cpeak 123.6 dB).Conclusion:The first results were found to be higher than the WHO's recommendation. Revealed very high results in the operating room and sterilization.Our findings are consistent with previous studies. The noise in the hospitals would be detrimental to both auditory and extra auditory systems of the workers as well as the patients