1. Decibel Readings: What and Why
Decibel Readings: What and Why? By: Jeff Carter In conjunction with UNH Nursing and Elliot Hospital
Clinical and Research Implications
Decreasing the sound level to optimal noise levels can help promote psychological and physiological health in children (Soubra, 2018). It is important to be mindful of noise levels constantly not only at night. The first step is to create an awareness of noise level so that it can be reduced (Guerra, 2018). Having a visible dB reader at the nurses station indicating when sound levels are too high can be an immediate feedback for staff and visitors when the volume is too high so steps can be taken to reduce it.
This experiment is limited in a few factors. First, the sample size of readings is very small, ranging one to three recordings for each hour. The recordings only measure max volume, and do not measure the average volume within the hour. Furthermore, these sound recordings were all taken at the nurse’s station, not in a patient room. Further research should be taken in these directions to obtain a more wholistic approach to noise reduction.
Background
Increased noise levels increase stress and disturbed sleep (Soubra et al., 2018)
Noise levels are measured in decibels (dB). Sound levels above 50dB can cause sleep disturbance (Guerra et al., 2018)
Sleep disturbance can lead to several complications, such as delayed wound healing, increased hospital stay, etc.
Recommended noise levels by the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends average noise levels should not to exceed dB during the day, and dB at night (though these are based off adult tolerances)
Methods
A review of the literature was conducted on PubMed searched for current literature on noise reduction in the pediatric population. Keywords included decibels, pediatric, and noise reduction. Studies must have been within the past 5 years.
An Extech sound level monitor was used to measure the maximum sound level. Recordings were taken each hour, and the monitor was reset. The monitor was placed behind the nursing station near the cabinets. Recordings taken over several days were averaged for an average max volume.
Results
The 24 hour average is 73.4dB. Common loud noises include cleaning equipment, doors, alarms, staff talking, visitors, and incidental events (dropping an item).
Purpose
Are patients on the pediatric floor at the Elliot hospital exposed to excessive noises when compared to the WHO recommended guidelines during the day?
Conclusion
The noise levels on the pediatric floor in the Elliot hospital were far above the recommended WHO guidelines. Recommended action is that a decibel reader is obtained and displayed prominently at the nurse’s station so that staff and visitors can identify when it is becoming too loud and take steps to reduce noise levels.