Effect of a noise reduction program on a medical-surgical unit

This quasi-experimental study tested an intervention to reduce sound levels in an acute care hospital. A parallel pre- and posttest design with control group was used; patients and employees completed the Topf Adapted Sound Disturbance Scales, and environmental sound levels were recorded on a Quest 2900 Sound Level Meter. Treatment interventions included an educational PowerPoint presentation for employees, minor environmental acoustical alterations, and the use of a Quest 261 Sound Detector/Controller for behavioral modification. None of these interventions produced statistically significant changes in sound levels. Patients and employees reported slightly less disturbance due to noise postintervention on the treatment unit. The findings of this study support Philbin and Gray's suggestion that the use of sound-absorbing materials in the hospital's physical structure may be the most effective measure to reduce sound levels in the hospital setting.