Occupational Noise in Healthcare Settings: Health Effects on Healthcare Workers and Strategies for Prevention and Management

BACKGROUND: Occupational noise in healthcare settings is a persistent workplace hazard that may adversely affect nurses and other healthcare workers. PURPOSE: This clinical update reviews recent evidence on hospital noise sources, associated health risks, and practical strategies for prevention and management, with emphasis on implications for occupational health nursing practice. METHODS: A narrative review of recent literature was conducted to examine occupational noise exposure in healthcare environments. FINDINGS: Common hospital noise sources include alarms, conversations, patient activity, and equipment. Occupational noise exposure has been linked to hearing-related effects, stress, fatigue, reduced job satisfaction, impaired concentration, and alarm fatigue. Noise-reduction approaches include monitoring, alarm management, acoustic modifications, administrative controls, and staff education, although evidence for many interventions remains limited. CONCLUSIONS: Occupational noise exposure remains an important concern in healthcare settings and may affect worker well-being and aspects of care delivery. Occupational health nurses are well positioned to support monitoring, education, and interdisciplinary prevention efforts. More intervention research is needed to identify feasible, effective, unit-specific strategies.