Patients' perception of sound levels in the surgical suite

Study Objectives: To measure sound levels that our patients are exposed to in the surgical suite and their perception of these sound levels. Design: Sound levels experienced by 100 patients undergoing general anesthe sia for elective surgery during three phases: induction and maintenance of anesthesia in the operating, room (OR), and recovery from anesthesia in the recovery room, were measured using a Type 4436 Noise Dose Meter. The equiv alent continuous sound levels (Leq), maximum sound levels (Lmax), and the s ources of sounds were noted. Patients were interviewed 24 hours after anest hesia about their perception of the sound levels they had experienced in th e OR and, recovery rooms. Measurements and Main Results: The Leq during the induction, maintenance, a nd recovery phases were 70.3 +/- 16.8 dB(A), 66.2 +/- 4.1 dB(A) and 71.8 +/ - 6.1 dB(A), respectively. These sound levels are much higher than internat ional recommendations for hospital acute care areas and exceed the threshol ds to produce noise-induced cardiovascular and endocrine effects. Sound lev els were significantly higher during the induction and recovery phases comp ared to the maintenance phase. Thirty-two patients found the induction phas e noisy and 33 patients found the recovery phase noisy. The sound levels di stressed 16 patients and 52 patients would have preferred a quieter environ ment. There was no difference in the sound levels experienced by those who expressed dissatisfaction with the sound levels and those who did not. Much of the noise, particularly staff conversations, unnecessary alarms, and pr eparation of equipment,could have been prevented by simple measures. Conclusion: Noise prevention in the OR and recovery room needs more attenti on and should be a routine part of patient care. (C) 2000 by Elsevier Scien ce Inc.