Noise Perception, Sensitivity, and Patient Outcomes During Cesarean Delivery

Introduction: Noise in the operating room (OR) is a recognized hazard, known to impair communication among staff and increase stress levels. While its effects on healthcare personnel have been studied, little is known about patient perception of noise, particularly during cesarean delivery (CD) under neuraxial anesthesia, where patients are fully conscious. This study aimed to investigate if patients undergoing CD perceive OR noise as stressful and to examine the correlation between actual noise levels and patient-reported stress. Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted on women undergoing CD at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. Eligible participants had sound levels recorded in the two ORs and completed three questionnaires 24 h postsurgery: the Weinstein Noise Sensitivity Questionnaire Short Form (WNSSF), a noise perception questionnaire, and a noise-related stress questionnaire. Noise levels were measured using a Spartan model 730 noise dosimeter, and the study analyzed the correlation between noise sensitivity, perception, and stress, as well as the effect of surgery urgency on noise levels. Results: Out of 70 participants, 67 were included in the final analysis. The ambient noise levels in the ORs were 53.4 and 58.5 dB, respectively. The mean noise sensitivity score was 17.6 (±3.9). Noise was perceived as very soft or soft by 23% of patients, comfortable by 67.8%, and loud or unpleasant by 9.2%. A significant association was found between noise sensitivity and stress (OR 1.15 [95 CI 1.03-1.31], p=0.038). Conclusions: The study found that a subset of patients experienced noise-related stress during CD, particularly those with higher noise sensitivity. These findings suggest the need for interventions to reduce OR noise or manage patient perceptions of noise.