Noise levels in Greek hospitals

High noise levels have been recognized as a serious problem in hospital environments during both night-and daytime, and have been associated with a negative impact on patients' health status. The aim of this study was to measure and detect differences in noise levels between an ICU and a pulmonary ward in two general hospitals in Greece. Methods: Noise measurements were recorded in one-hour intervals using the Cirrus CR: 245/R2 Environmental Noise Analyzer in a 30-bed pulmonary ward and in a 16-bed general ICU for seven consecutive days. Results: Noise levels detected in the ward were significantly lower than those detected in the ICU (52.6 +/- 8.2 dB vs 59 +/- 2.2 dB, P < 0.001). Noise levels decreased significantly during the course of the day in the ward, reaching the lowest limits during the night shift. This was not observed in the ICU and this pattern was constant during the periods monitored in both departments. Conclusion: Noise levels measured in the ward and in the ICU were high, significantly exceeding the highest permitted values for hospitals. The latter was more obviously recorded in the ICU.