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Updated: Jun 15, 2026
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Objective Nociceptive Assessment in Ventilated ICU Patients: A Feasibility Study Using Pupillometry and the Nociceptive Flexion Reflex
Published on: July 4, 2018
Noise assessment in intensive care units
Ivan Senis Cardoso Macedo1, Daniela Cunha Mateus, Eduardo De Martin Guedes C Costa
1Jundiai Medical School, São Paulo.
Brazilian Journal of Otorhinolaryngology
|March 9, 2010
Summary
Noise levels in Intensive Care Units (ICUs) exceeded recommended limits, posing a health risk to patients. While high, sound pressure levels did not reach occupational risk thresholds for healthcare teams in the studied ICUs.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Clinical Medicine
- Acoustics
Background:
- Intensive Care Units (ICUs) are recognized as high-noise environments.
- Recommended sound pressure levels in hospital settings range from 35 to 45 dB(A).
- Elevated noise levels in ICUs can negatively impact patient health and recovery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify sound pressure levels within three distinct ICUs.
- To assess noise pollution in a hospital in Jundiaí, São Paulo, Brazil.
- To compare measured noise levels against established safety standards.
Main Methods:
- An observational study design was employed.
- Sound pressure levels were measured using a Minipa MSL1532C sound meter.
- Measurements were conducted according to Brazilian Technical Standard NBR 10151 across different times of day (morning, afternoon, night).
Main Results:
- Average sound pressure levels recorded were 64.1 dB(A) in the first ICU, 58.9 dB(A) in the Coronary Unit, and 64 dB(A) in the second ICU.
- All measured levels significantly exceeded the recommended 35-45 dB(A) range.
- No occupational risk levels (above 85 dB) were detected for healthcare personnel.
Conclusions:
- High sound pressure levels in ICUs represent a significant patient health concern.
- The measured noise levels, though elevated, did not pose an occupational hazard to the staff.
- Interventions to reduce noise in ICUs are warranted to improve patient outcomes.
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