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Occupational Noise in Healthcare Settings: Health Effects on Healthcare Workers and Strategies for Prevention and
Zhixuan Drew Zhu1,2, Patricia Figura-Delia1
1Sunshine Education and Research Center, University of South Florida.
Background:
Occupational noise in healthcare settings is a persistent workplace hazard that may adversely affect nurses and other healthcare workers.
Purpose:
This clinical update reviews recent evidence on hospital noise sources, associated health risks, and practical strategies for prevention and management, with emphasis on implications for occupational health nursing practice.
Methods:
A narrative review of recent literature was conducted to examine occupational noise exposure in healthcare environments.
Findings:
Common hospital noise sources include alarms, conversations, patient activity, and equipment. Occupational noise exposure has been linked to hearing-related effects, stress, fatigue, reduced job satisfaction, impaired concentration, and alarm fatigue. Noise-reduction approaches include monitoring, alarm management, acoustic modifications, administrative controls, and staff education, although evidence for many interventions remains limited.
Conclusions:
Occupational noise exposure remains an important concern in healthcare settings and may affect worker well-being and aspects of care delivery. Occupational health nurses are well positioned to support monitoring, education, and interdisciplinary prevention efforts. More intervention research is needed to identify feasible, effective, unit-specific strategies.
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