Secondhand Noise and Stress

Tompkins, Olga S.

doi:10.3928/08910162-20090928-03

Cited by 4 publications

(4 citation statements)

References 4 publications

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“…Ninety-ve percent agreed that the noise level was annoying and affected their regular work. This nding is in accordance with the literature, which has shown that continuous exposure to high noise levels is associated with increased stress for staff and may adversely affect physiology, motivation and general health [6][7][8][9][10][11][12].…”

Section: Problem Descriptionsupporting

confidence: 92%

Noise Reduction in an Intensive Care Unit: Implementation of Quiet Time and Noise-Reduction Strategies

Gupta¹,

Shaji²,

Amer³

et al. 2020

Preprint

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Background: Excessive noise is a significant problem for patients in intensive care units (ICUs) and is associated with significant psychological effects and the potential to affect patient outcomes. The noise level in our coronary care intensive unit of a cardiac hospital was found to be approximately 80 dB, which exceeded the international recommended level of 35 dB. We sought to review the causes of this excess noise and the effects of an implementation of quiet time and a noise-reduction bundle in the ICU.Methods: A quality improvement initiative was undertaken to solve the noise issue. A multi-disciplinary team was formed and a number of changes were tested. We used a model for improvement, and the changes were tested using small Plan-Do-Study-Act cycles. Two blocks of quiet time (3-4 pm and 2-4 am) were designated as quiet times during which the lights were dimmed, noise-reduction strategies in the form of a bundle were implemented, and procedures were minimized. In addition, educational material and information were disseminated to physicians, nurses, physical therapists, and other potential individuals who might be affected by the changes that were implemented. Quantitative baseline data was collected using sound meter readings three times a day. Qualitative feedback was collected through staff and patient surveys.Results: During quiet hours, the noise level averaged 22 dB—a decrease from 85 dB. One-hundred patients were surveyed and asked for their feedback concerning quiet time: approximately 97% of them were satisfied with the results.Conclusions: It is possible to reduce noise levels in ICUs by implementing simple and effective measures. This reduction has a significant effect on patient satisfaction, and, in addition, promotes healing.

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Section: Problem Descriptionsupporting

confidence: 92%

Noise Reduction in an Intensive Care Unit: Implementation of Quiet Time and Noise-Reduction Strategies

Gupta¹,

Shaji²,

Amer³

et al. 2020

Preprint

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“…The problem of environmental noise is not limited just to patients; high levels of noise on an ICU have been associated with increased levels of stress for staff [14,31,32]. Studies outside the hospital environment have demonstrated that noise has a negative impact on physiology [33,34], motivation and general health [35]. …”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

An investigation of sound levels on intensive care units with reference to the WHO guidelines

2013

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IntroductionPatients in intensive care units (ICUs) suffer from sleep deprivation arising from nursing interventions and ambient noise. This may exacerbate confusion and ICU-related delirium. The World Health Organization (WHO) suggests that average hospital sound levels should not exceed 35 dB with a maximum of 40 dB overnight. We monitored five ICUs to check compliance with these guidelines.MethodsSound levels were recorded in five adult ICUs in the UK. Two sound level monitors recorded concurrently for 24 hours at the ICU central stations and adjacent to patients. Sample values to determine levels generated by equipment and external noise were also recorded in an empty ICU side room.ResultsAverage sound levels always exceeded 45 dBA and for 50% of the time exceeded between 52 and 59 dBA in individual ICUs. There was diurnal variation with values decreasing after evening handovers to an overnight average minimum of 51 dBA at 4 AM. Peaks above 85 dBA occurred at all sites, up to 16 times per hour overnight and more frequently during the day. WHO guidelines on sound levels could be only achieved in a side room by switching all equipment off.ConclusionAll ICUs had sound levels greater than WHO recommendations, but the WHO recommended levels are so low they are not achievable in an ICU. Levels adjacent to patients are higher than those recorded at central stations. Unit-wide noise reduction programmes or mechanical means of isolating patients from ambient noise, such as earplugs, should be considered.

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“…The overall noise levels and peaks in the clinic are at levels that can contribute to adverse psychological and physiological effects, which some of the staff members may be experiencing. Consistent exposure to moderate levels of noise can result in increased long-and short-term sickness absence, [15] fatigue, [11] stress, frustration, [14] decreased motivation, and increased risk for heart disease. [13] It is, however, important to note that the surveys did not assess job-related stress independently of noise levels, which could have also contributed to increased disturbance from noise.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…[9] Some of these effects include difficulty concentrating on work, [10] increased heart rate and blood pressure, [11] fatigue, [12] decreased motivation, elevated epinephrine levels (increasing the risk for heart disease), [13] annoyance, [14] long- and short-term sickness with absence from work, [15] and decreased high-information processing abilities. [13] Moderate-to-high levels of noise have been shown to negatively affect safety in hospitals, and diminish quality of care given to patients by hospital staff.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Ambient noise levels in the chemotherapy clinic

Gladd

Saunders

2011

Noise Health

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Many of the drugs used for chemotherapy treatments are known to be ototoxic, and can result in permanent hearing threshold shifts. The degree of ototoxic damage can be influenced by many factors including dosage, duration of exposure, genetics, and coadministration with other ototoxic agents. Cisplatin is known for its ototoxic effects on hearing thresholds, particularly in the high frequencies. Recent studies have indicated a synergistic relationship between Cisplatin administration and moderate to high noise level exposure starting between 70–85 dB SPL. This study measured the noise levels in the Portland Veteran’s Affairs Medical Center’s outpatient chemotherapy clinic. Average (LAeq) and peak (LCpeak) noise measures were recorded every minute from 7 am until 6 pm on the two busiest clinic days. Patients, visitors, and staff members filled out anonymous surveys regarding their reactions to noise levels. Cumulative noise levels were not at levels known to interact with Cisplatin for a significant period of time. Noise measurement analysis indicated that levels were at or above 70 dB SPL for less than ten minutes during the 11-hour recording window. The patient and visitor surveys indicated that both groups were unbothered by noise in the clinic. However, most staff members were bothered by or concerned about noise levels, and many felt that it caused stress and difficulty communicating on the phone.

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Secondhand Noise and Stress

Abstract: Noise pollution can cause nonauditory effects on general health and well-being. There is growing awareness that secondhand noise is an important public health problem that is similar in scope to secondhand smoke.

Cited by 4 publications

References 4 publications

Noise Reduction in an Intensive Care Unit: Implementation of Quiet Time and Noise-Reduction Strategies

Noise Reduction in an Intensive Care Unit: Implementation of Quiet Time and Noise-Reduction Strategies

An investigation of sound levels on intensive care units with reference to the WHO guidelines

Ambient noise levels in the chemotherapy clinic

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