Abstract

CARRILLO ESPER, Raúl; CARRILLO CORDOVA, Dulce María; CARRILLO CORDOVA, Luis Daniel  and  CARRILLO CORDOVA, Jorge Raúl. Noise in the Intensive Care Unit: silence in the Intensive Care Unit is the best therapy. Med. crít. (Col. Mex. Med. Crít.) [online]. 2017, vol.31, n.6, pp.339-344. ISSN 2448-8909.

Noise is defined as any sound that may produce an undesired physiological or psychological effect in an individual or group. The World Health Organization recommends that the average background noise should not exceed 30 A weighted decibels (dBA). Noise in hospitals -and particularly, in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU)- frequently exceeds these values. Noise levels measured in the ICU are mostly far beyond the recommended standards, and generally measure around 60-70 dBA. Noise affects both staff and patients. Studies have shown that noise in the ICU is a physical, psychological and social stressor, and it is an independent risk factor for delirium. Planned activities, staff education and proper design of ICUs may help combat this overlooked problem.

Keywords : Noise; intensive care unit.

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