Noise levels in Johns Hopkins Hospital.
This article presents the results of a noise survey at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, MD. Results include equivalent sound pressure levels (L(eq)) as a function of location, frequency, and time of day. At all locations and all times of day, the L(eq) indicate that a serious problem exists. No location is in compliance with current World Health Organization Guidelines, and a review of objective data indicates that this is true of hospitals throughout the world. Average equivalent sound levels are in the 50-60 dB(A) range for 1 min, 1/2, and 24 h averaging time periods. The spectra are generally flat over the 63-2000 Hz octave bands, with higher sound levels at lower frequencies, and a gradual roll off above 2000 Hz. Many units exhibit little if any reduction of sound levels in the nighttime. Data gathered at various hospitals over the last 45 years indicate a trend of increasing noise levels during daytime and nighttime hours. The implications of these results are significant for patients, visitors, and hospital staff.
Busch-Vishniac
Ilene J
IJ
Johns Hopkins University, 3400 N. Charles Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, USA. ilenebv@jhu.edu
West
James E
JE
Barnhill
Colin
C
Hunter
Tyrone
T
Orellana
Douglas
D
Chivukula
Ram
R
D000162:Acoustics; D015142:Baltimore; D002940:Circadian Rhythm; D003625:Data Collection; D006272:Health Facility Environment; D006784:Hospitals, Teaching; D006801:Humans; D009622:Noise