Environmental Design Service

Noise Assessment & Improvement

In clinical environments, the increase in the number of patients, their activity levels, and technological advances in equipment and communications devices have caused overall hospital noise levels to rise steadily in the past 25 years.

While the EPA suggests that an evening decibel level be approximately 35 dB, many ICU areas and emergency departments can be as loud at 85 dB. Daytime noise levels can range from 65-95 dB or higher, depending on the time of day and status of the patients and staff.

We can provide an assessment of the factors that may be causing unsatisfactory hospital noise levels and recommend specific strategies that will result in a more therapeutic and appropriate auditory environment.

This may include direct technical recommendations, educational curricula for the staff, and design or redesign of high noise areas. Most important, however, all recommendations are specific to the needs of your organization, the culture of your community, and the activities and objectives you desire.

Contact us for pricing information.