title: Determination of the level of noise in nurseries and pre-schools and the teachers' level of annoyance.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this article is to determine the level of noise in nurseries and pre-schools and also to compare measured levels with standard levels and evaluate the teachers' level of annoyance.
  
  
  METHODS
  The level of noise was measured in three different schools. A total of 162 students, whose ages were between 3 and 6 years, and 12 teachers were included the study. Every age groups' level of noise was measured during sleeping, gaming, and eating activity. In addition, teachers' annoyance was assessed in different age groups.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The 4- to 6-year-old groups were found to have higher level of sounds than 3-year-old group. Eating period was found to be the highest level of sound whereas sleeping was found the lowest. Furthermore, teachers' annoyance was found higher as the age decreased.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Nurseries and pre-schools have noisy environment both for the students and the teachers. High level of noise, which has bad effects on health, is a public health problem. Both the students' families and teachers must be aware of this annoying situation.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Memorial Health Group Ankara Hospital, Ankara, Turkey.
authors.forename: Ozan
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Gokdogan
authors.affiliation: Department of Audiology, Gazi University Hospital, Ankara, Turkey.
authors.forename: Cagil
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Gokdogan
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009622:Noise; D009623:Noise, Occupational; D000070777:School Teachers / Q000523:psychology*; D012578:Schools, Nursery; D013334:Students; D014421:Turkey; D055815:Young Adult