Noise levels in an Australian emergency department

SummaryElevated hospital noise levels potentially affect communication, stress levels, aggressive behaviour and sleep during treatment. However, few studies have measured noise in the emergency department (ED). In an Australian context, study investigators aimed to assess noise levels in multiple clinical care areas of the ED. Data was collected in decibels (dB) in six ED patient locations over 24 hours. Recorded data was analysed and compared across locations and over time, in the light of World Health Organization (WHO) and Australian noise standards. The 24-hour average sound levels varied between 64.0 and 55.8 dB, with some diurnal variation in noise levels, thereby consistently exceeding recommended levels. Such high noise levels could potentially affect patient care and well-being whilst in the ED.