View in EDS

A systematic review of noise pollution in hospitals.

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Title: A systematic review of noise pollution in hospitals.
Authors: Pazani-kohaki, Morteza1 (AUTHOR), Yazdanfar, Seyed Abbas1 (AUTHOR) yazdanfar@iust.ac.ir, Lohrasbi, Ladan1 (AUTHOR)
Source: Journal of the Acoustical Society of America. Apr2026, Vol. 159 Issue 4, p3757-3772. 16p.
Subjects: Noise pollution, Noise control, Intensive care units, Hospitals, Patient-professional relations, Monitor alarms (Medicine)
Abstract: The issue of noise pollution in hospitals has been discussed since 1851. Numerous studies have examined sound levels and sources of noise in hospitals, revealing that noise levels in hospitals often exceed the recommended standards from the World Health Organization (WHO). Noise pollution in hospitals has psychological and physical consequences for patients and staff. Identifying and implementing noise-reduction strategies in hospitals significantly improves acoustic conditions in these settings. This systematic review aims to identify and assess noise-generating sources across various hospital departments and the components that reduce noise in hospitals. Utilizing PRISMA guidelines (the Prisma checklist consists of 27 items related to the content of a systematic review and meta-analysis), data were gathered from five databases: Scopus database, Web of Science database, ScienceDirect database, Sage database, and Willey database. A total of 72 articles, dated between 2012 and 2024, were reviewed. Noise levels were recorded at 61–66 dB in intensive care units and 63 dB in inpatient wards. Most interventions for noise reduction have been managerial, with fewer engineering-based solutions. While interventions generally led to noise reduction, levels still did not meet WHO standards. Analysis of the articles identified patient–staff conversations and medical equipment alarms as the most frequently reported noise sources. Based on an extensive classification framework, noise-reducing components were grouped into six categories: noise management, equipment, materials, functional space, furniture, and cultural patterns, under three strategies: managerial, physical, and cultural. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Copyright of Journal of the Acoustical Society of America is the property of American Institute of Physics and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)
Database: Engineering Source
Description
Abstract:The issue of noise pollution in hospitals has been discussed since 1851. Numerous studies have examined sound levels and sources of noise in hospitals, revealing that noise levels in hospitals often exceed the recommended standards from the World Health Organization (WHO). Noise pollution in hospitals has psychological and physical consequences for patients and staff. Identifying and implementing noise-reduction strategies in hospitals significantly improves acoustic conditions in these settings. This systematic review aims to identify and assess noise-generating sources across various hospital departments and the components that reduce noise in hospitals. Utilizing PRISMA guidelines (the Prisma checklist consists of 27 items related to the content of a systematic review and meta-analysis), data were gathered from five databases: Scopus database, Web of Science database, ScienceDirect database, Sage database, and Willey database. A total of 72 articles, dated between 2012 and 2024, were reviewed. Noise levels were recorded at 61–66 dB in intensive care units and 63 dB in inpatient wards. Most interventions for noise reduction have been managerial, with fewer engineering-based solutions. While interventions generally led to noise reduction, levels still did not meet WHO standards. Analysis of the articles identified patient–staff conversations and medical equipment alarms as the most frequently reported noise sources. Based on an extensive classification framework, noise-reducing components were grouped into six categories: noise management, equipment, materials, functional space, furniture, and cultural patterns, under three strategies: managerial, physical, and cultural. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
ISSN:00014966
DOI:10.1121/10.0042468