Abstract

Background
：The purpose of this study was to estimate noise levels in hospital and effects of noise on patients and staff members and provide basic information required for reducing noise and improving working environment in hospital. Material and Methods：A structured questionnaire was served to patients and employees at a general hospital based in Daegu during the period from December 2004 to January 2005. Noise levels were measured at locations where noise level was high in the hospital.
Results
：Of total employee respondents, 95.8% cited work interruption and 94.5% cited interruption in conversation as noise disturbance. Also, 98.7% of total employees respondents regarded noise in hospital as a nuisance. Those working in intensive care units (58.8%) and boiler maintenance room (66.7%) said noise level was high all day. Those working in Nutrition Division (47.5%) said noise level was high in the morning between 10 and 11 a.m. Patients in the hospital cited sleep disturbance (59.0%), nuisance (38.0%) and interruption in conversation (38.0%) as a consequence of noise. Of these patients, 75.0% said they were just tolerating noise. By the source of noise, patients described talks between patient and family member who sharing the same room, visitors, squeak noise from beds and chairs, trolley, telephone bell and toilet flush.
Conclusion
：Noise in the hospital resulted in sleep disturbance, nuisance and interruption in conversation for patients and poor working environment, reduced performance and interruption in conversation for employees. Noise control seems imminent to make hospital environment comfortable for both patients and employees.

• Keywords: Noise, Hospital