Cost analysis of ceiling tile replacement for noise abatement.
OBJECTIVE
Our purpose was to evaluate the cost and benefit of noise reduction after replacement of acoustic ceiling tile in an open ward neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).


METHODS
An observational, prospective study evaluated noise in an open ward NICU before and after suspended ceiling tiles were replaced. Noise was rated by a 10-point visual analog scale and measured with a decibel meter.


RESULTS
The mean decibel level was 55 before and 53 after renovation (p < 0.05). The median visual analog score was 5 before and 4 after renovation (p = 0.09). The cost of ceiling tile replacement was $2400.


CONCLUSIONS
The renovation resulted in a small decrease in the decibel level in the NICU, although this measured decrease was not perceived by observers. With a formal prerenovation noise evaluation, a more efficient ceiling tile might have been selected or the project may have been aborted or modified because of the low levels of noise already present.
Berens
R J
RJ
Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, Wauwatosa, USA.
Weigle
C G
CG
D000704:Analysis of Variance; D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D006749:Hospital Design and Construction / Q000191:economics*; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007363:Intensive Care Units, Neonatal; D009623:Noise, Occupational / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011446:Prospective Studies