Hospital Noise — Levels and Potential Health Hazards

Hospital noise levels were measured in infant incubators, recovery room and two rooms of an acute-care unit. Sources of the noise were noted, and 24-hour measurements were made. The average noise levels were as follows: 57.7 dB(A) and 74.5 dB (linear) for the incubators; 65.6 dB(A) and 80.0 dB (linear) at patients' heads; 57.2 dB(A) and 69.8 dB (linear) for the recovery room; and for the acute care unit 60.1 dB(A) and 73.3dB (linear) for room 1 and 55.8 dB(A)and 68.1 dB (linear) for room 2. In the recovery room and acute-care unit noise levels were correlated with number of hospital staff. On the basis of present knowledge of the physiologic effects of noise, these noise levels probably stimulate the hypophyseal-adrenocortical axis of patients, exceed the noise threshold for peripheral vasoconstriction, pose a threat to hearing in patients receiving aminoglycosidic antibiotics and are incompatible with sleep. (N Engl J Med 289:774–781, 1973)