Abstract

Aim: Noise pollution is one of the important problems among the environmental pollution. In this present study we tried to show that the problem of noise at hospital is still exceeding and investigate the sources of noise that annoyed the patients mostly. We measured the sound levels randomly selected in wards and asked the patients the causes of the noise annoying the patients mostly.
Material and Methods:Noise level were measured during August 2009 by Testo 816 Sound Lever Meter in Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty. Total of the readings were taken in the day time between 09.00 am and 15.00 pm with three minutes intervals
Results: Daily sound level is differing between 45 dBA and 61 dBA. Measured sound level at the beginning time was significantly lower in Neurology and Otorhinolaryngology wards compare to others. During the day time maximum Leq was observed in Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation ward (61 dBA). Telephone bells and conversations, Talking in corridors and water running from faucet declared as a most frequent of noise source by the patients.
Conclusion: Activities of medical and non-medical staff are the common source of noise which suggests the noise pollution is mostly “manmade”. In order to solve the noise problem at hospitals there is great need to staff education, administrative rules and may be first of all national guidelines for hospital noise.

Key words: Noise, Pollution, Hospita Environment.

Article Language: Turkish English