Estimation of Noise Induced Hearing Loss Because of Indoor and Outdoor Environment Noise Factors in Turkish Healthcare Facilities: A Survey of Hospitals in Turkey

Abstract

This article aims to evaluate effect of indoor and outdoor environment noise factors in healthcare facilities which affect the work area due to noise induced hearing loss, and also to determine their relationship with the architectural design of the building. As a case study; noise levels, in five state and private healthcare centers, including medical schools, research hospitals, and state hospitals in Turkey were measured. They were compared with similar healthcare centers in the United States. Results include equivalent sound pressure levels (Leq for 5 min from 20 spots in each area), and Lmax–Lmin evaluated as a function of location, frequency, time, and days of the week. Research showed that no location was in compliance with current World Health Organization Guidelines, and a review of objective data indicated that this was true of hospitals throughout the world. Noise induced hearing loss on continuously users had been estimated with these results in selected hospitals. Data gathered at various hospitals for last decay indicate a trend of increasing noise levels during daytime and nighttime hours. The implications of these results were significant for patients, visitors, and hospital staff.