How Noise Affects Patients in Hospitals

Abstract

Hospitals are where patients stay to improve their current condition and well-being. However, many studies demonstrate that noise has negative effects on patients during their hospital stays. Results from these studies show that areas such as sleep quality, speech processing, and various physiological functions are influenced by noise exposure. Most of the noise exposure that causes disturbances to the patients are generated by the staff and machines. This paper describes and discusses noise pollution in hospitals so that appropriate countermeasures can be applied to reduce noise. In addition to research on noise reduction strategies, recommendations regarding the improvement of human factors, such as staff training and hospital design, are discussed.