title: Sound pressure level in a municipal preschool.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the sound pressure level to which preschool students are exposed.
  
  
  METHODS
  This was a prospective, quantitative, nonexperimental, and descriptive study. To achieve the aim of the study we used an audio dosimeter. The sound pressure level (SPL) measurements were obtained for 2 age based classrooms. Preschool I and II. The measurements were obtained over 4 days in 8-hour sessions, totaling 1920 minutes.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Compared with established standards, the SPL measured ranged from 40.6 dB (A) to 105.8 dB (A). The frequency spectrum of the SPL was concentrated in the frequency range between 500 Hz and 4000 Hz. The older children produced higher SPLs than the younger ones, and the levels varied according to the activity performed. Painting and writing were the quietest activities, while free activities period and games were the noisiest.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The SPLs measured at the preschool were higher and exceeded the maximum permitted level according to the reference standards. Therefore, the implementation of actions that aim to minimize the negative impact of noise in this environment is essential.
authors.affiliation: Speech Therapist. Graduated from São Paulo State University - UNESP - Marília / SP, Brazil.
authors.forename: Adriana Aparecida Tahara
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Kemp
authors.affiliation: Speech Therapist. Post-graduate student of the Human Communication Disorders Program - Master level at São Paulo State University - UNESP - Marília / SP, Brazil.
authors.forename: Camila Ribas
authors.initials: CR
authors.lastname: Delecrode
authors.affiliation: Speech Therapist. Professor of the Speech Therapy and Audiology Department of São Paulo State University - UNESP - Marília / SP, Brazil.
authors.forename: Heraldo Lorena
authors.initials: HL
authors.lastname: Guida
authors.affiliation: Engineer, Specialist in Occupational Safety. Graduate of Integrated College Jacarepaguá - IFJ - Jacarepaguá / RJ, Brazil.
authors.forename: André Knap
authors.initials: AK
authors.lastname: Ribeiro
authors.affiliation: Speech Therapist. Professor of the Speech Therapy and Audiology Department of São Paulo State University - UNESP - Marília / SP, Brazil.
authors.forename: Ana Claúdia Vieira
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Cardoso
keywords: Child; Noise; Noise Measurement; Preschool