Noise exposure in healthcare workers

Abstract

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of noise in hospitals on healthcare workers, to develop recommendations for reducing noise in hospitals and to show why healthcare workers should be protected from noise exposure in hospitals. The study included a total of 80 healthcare workers from different units of the hospital who volunteered to participate. Two participants were excluded for sensorineural hearing loss and the results of 78 respondents were analyzed. Participants were evaluated using a questionnaire created by the researchers. Noise in different units of the hospital was measured during daytime working hours using the Sound Level Meter application with an iPhone 13® smartphone. Measurements yielded a mean noise level of 37.62 dBA (a minimum of 24.21 dBA to a maximum of 67.31 dBA). On occasions, noise levels in the hospital were as high as 74 dBA. Healthcare staff included in the study usually complained of moderate levels of noise and reported noise affected their performance. High levels of noise in hospitals negatively affect healthcare workers’ performance. Healthcare workers’ awareness about the impact of noise exposure in hospitals should be increased through in-service training programs. Improving noise levels in hospitals and implementing noise reduction interventions can help increase healthcare workers’ performance and eliminate the negative impacts of noise exposure to the inner ear.