Noise and sound spectrum in the intensive care unit of a hospital in the city of Sorocaba-SP

Abstract

Noise is a problem that affects hospitals worldwide, which can have negative effects on patients and staff. Although Intensive Care Units (ICUs) are more sensitive and have been widely studied, few studies have delved into fundamental data, such as frequency spectrum analysis. Therefore, the objective of this work was to evaluate the acoustic comfort inside the ICU of a public hospital in the city of Sorocaba-SP. Sound measurements were performed in triplicate, for 15 minutes each, on different days of the week and during the day and night. The acoustic descriptors LAeq, LAmin, and LAmax in dB were used, and the frequency spectrum was analyzed with a 1/3 octave filter. The results showed that the average sound levels, both during the day and at night, were above the level recommended by the World Health Organization and NBR 10152, these were greater than 50 and 80 dB in the A-weighting curve, as it is the most suitable the human auditory range. Regarding the frequency spectrum, it was found that the range between 500 and 1000 Hz has the greatest influence on sound levels within the ICU. These results can be an object to help managers make decisions regarding the implementation of programs and protocols to reduce noise in ICUs.