Abstract
A comprehensive literature review of noise levels in the hospital intensive care unit (ICU) revealed that noise is a problem in the ICU. Numerous studies conducted in overseas hospitals consistently found that the noise levels exceeded recommended levels. Patients in the ICU are in a critical condition. Noise can prevent a person from sleeping and can be offensive. Sleep deprived patients may experience slow tissue growth and depression coupled by the strain of being in a serious state of health.
A study was conducted that involved a noise level analysis of a prominent Australian hospital’s ICU. It found that the noise levels exceeded the maximum recommended design sound level prescribed by Standards Australia Investigation into the cause of the high noise levels revealed a number of sources. Recommendations were made to reduce noise levels in the ICU and design features were suggested that could reduce sound exposure to the patients.