Although hospitals are places where people recover from surgical procedures, having a baby, or from serious injuries, they can be quite noisy. In spite of the fact that patients need rest during their recovery, hospitals are rarely quiet. Whether it is nurses talking at the nurse’s station, hospital equipment alarms, or foot traffic in corridors, hospitals breed noise. The sounds are typically around the clock too, because hospitals are staffed twenty-four hours a day. So, how can this noise be reduced and not so intrusive on patients? That’s where acoustical design consultants come into play.
Noise Impact Assessments
This is a study which helps locations and businesses create a noise reduction plan. It looks at the potential for vibration in a structure, as well as, the ambient acoustics of a given location. Once the information is gathered, each noise factor can be addressed accordingly.
Noise assessments are conducted by acoustical engineering consultants. They are critical to identifying noise sources that can affect personnel and patients. There are several steps involved in creating a noise impact assessment.
- Predictive Noise Impact Study
- Acoustic Assessment
- Noise Impact Study
- Environmental Noise Impact Statement
Problems with Noise in Hospitals
There is a difference in noise levels between public and private hospitals. The private hospitals tend to be quieter. In a setting where doctor-patient confidentiality could easily be compromised, it is important to have noise reduction strategies in place.
Exposure to noisy environments can also cause:
- Lowered Staff Productivity
- Staffing Mistakes with Dispensing Medications
- Higher Blood Pressure Among Patients
- Interrupted Patient Sleep
- Slower Recovery Times
- Higher Heart Rate
- Higher Respiration Rate
Noise Reduction Strategies in Hospitals
While hospitals being built can add in various structural noise reduction strategies, those hospitals already in service, have to rely on other strategies. Some of those noise reduction strategies can include the following:
- Acoustic Door Seals
- Added Insulation
- Installation of Noise Absorbing Ceiling Tiles
- Acoustical Wall Panels
- Soundproofing Panels Where Needed
- White Noise Machines
Think about how many doors are in a hospital. By adding acoustic door seals to them, sound can be trapped so it will not continue resonating. Added insulation around ductwork can cut down the noise associated with HVAC systems. There are various noise absorbing materials such as ceiling tiles and wall panels which can cut down on sound as well.
Other Considerations
A noise assessment conducted by acoustic consultant Toronto also has to take into consideration the ambient noise associated with a specific structure. This is any noise coming from outside the structure which bleeds through to the interior. Some of the ambient noise can be created by the items listed below:
- Railways
- Air Traffic
- Railways
- Industries in the Area
- Road Traffic
If you are in need of acoustical design services, look no further than Valcoustics. We offer the best acoustic modeling offered by top acoustic engineers Toronto. Addressing all of your sound reduction needs, Valcoustics are the noise specialists. Contact us today to find out more.