Sound levels in single vs. double bed ICU rooms: A high-resolution sound study

Area of Science:

• Environmental Health
• Acoustic Engineering
• Critical Care Medicine

Background:

• High sound levels in intensive care units (ICUs) are linked to patient delirium, sleep disturbances, and reduced healthcare provider performance.
• The acoustic impact of different architectural settings, specifically single- versus double-bed rooms, remains unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate and compare sound pressure levels between single- and double-bed rooms in ICUs.
• To assess whether architectural differences influence the acoustic environment within ICUs.

Main Methods:

• A prospective observational study was conducted in three architecturally identical ICUs.
• Sound levels (LAeq, LAmin, LAmax) were recorded continuously and aggregated into hourly intervals.
• Statistical comparisons (independent-samples t-tests) were performed between single- and double-bed rooms, with data analyzed against WHO guidelines.

Main Results:

• Single-bed rooms exhibited significantly higher average (LAeq) and minimum (LAmin) sound levels compared to double-bed rooms.
• Double-bed rooms had higher maximum (LAmax) sound levels than single-bed rooms.
• All measured sound levels across all room types exceeded WHO recommended thresholds, with daytime levels being significantly higher.

Conclusions:

• Contrary to expectations, single-bed ICU rooms present greater average and baseline sound exposure than double-bed rooms.
• Achieving quieter ICU environments requires multimodal strategies beyond architectural design, including staff awareness and alarm management.
• Current ICU sound levels consistently surpass international recommendations, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive noise reduction interventions.