scholarly journals Annoyance among Staff and Noise Level in a Tertiary Care Hospital in New Delhi, India: A Pilot Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 06 (03) ◽  
pp. 10-16
Author(s):  
Aritrik Das ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Noise Level ◽  
Noise Exposure ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Extensive Study ◽  
Sound Level ◽  
Care Hospital ◽  
Noise Levels ◽  
National Guidelines ◽  
Hospital Noise ◽  
Workplace Noise

Introduction: In India, an area of not less than 100 metres around a hospital is considered a silence zone, with guidelines restricting noise levels at 50dBA during daytime and 40dBA during the night. Annoyance is a known effect of noise exposure. Objectives: To determine the feasibility of an extensive study on noise in the hospital, annoyance in staff due to hospital noise and its associated factors. Methods: Noise data was collected from 3 sites, using a Digital Integrating Sound Level Meter, LutronSL-4035SD(ISO-9001,CE,IEC1010) meeting IEC61672 standards. Stratified random sampling of staff was done on basis of noise exposure. A pre-designed, semi-structured questionnaire collected information on sociodemographic and work profile. Annoyance was measured using standardized general purpose noise reaction questionnaire (ISO-TS/ 15666). Data was analysed in SPSS. Result: Laeq ranged from 56dB in nephrology ward to 89.2dB at OPD atrium. Maximum noise level was 98.6dB in OPD atrium and 86.1dB in nephrology ward. Levels at night in ward were higher than during day time. 24 (53.3%) of the staff said their workplace is noisy, while 26(57.8%) were annoyed by workplace noise. Annoyance due to hospital noise was associated with age (p=0.003), duration of work in hospital per week (p=0.04), duration of work in current department (p=0.007), noise level (p=0.04) and workplace distance from arterial road (p=0.02). Conclusion: Hospital noise levels are higher than recommended levels for sensitive zones as per national guidelines and exceed levels inside wards as stipulated by WHO. More than half the study population were annoyed by workplace noise indicating need for interventions. A study throughout the hospital to study noise levels and annoyance among staff following similar methodology is feasible and necessary.

scholarly journals A Study of Some of the Indicators of Noise Pollution in Certain Residential Districts in Fallujah City

2021 ◽  
pp. 2571-2579
Author(s):  
Ahmed H. Ali ◽  
Mohammed M. Abed ◽  
Berivan H. Mahdi ◽  
Wassan D. Hussain ◽  
Aisar M. Mohaisen
Keyword(s):  
Noise Level ◽  
Noise Exposure ◽  
Heavy Traffic ◽  
Field Measurements ◽  
Noise Pollution ◽  
Sound Level ◽  
Noise Levels ◽  
Mean Values ◽  
Daily Average ◽  
Main Streets

     The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of noise exposure in certain residential districts in Fallujah city. Twenty-nine stations were selected and divided into two groups; the first group was located 50 to 100 metres from the main streets (quiet areas), whilst the second was located directly on the main streets. Noise levels were measured at a rate of three readings per station for different time periods for approximately sixty days in the year 2020. Mean values were taken in both the morning and evening using a portable sound level meter (Auto range, RS-232). The highest noise level was measured at Alforkan station for the morning reading (83.8 dB) within the second group, while the lowest noise level was measured at Alshohada alawla district station for the morning reading (63.2 dB) within the first group. As for the results of the daily noise level in the evening, the highest daily average (79.4 dB) was measured at Jaish al Shabi street, while the lowest daily average (56.4 dB) was at Dor Alsekak district. The total average noise levels for the morning measurements for the first and second groups were 66.7 dB and 77.2 dB, respectively, whereas those for evening measurements were 65.3 dB and 71.7 dB, respectively. According to field measurements, the average values for the noise (traffic) for the first and second groups in the morning and afternoon exceeded 68 dB, which may cause people to feel very disturbed according to the WHO guidelines on exposure to external environmental noise. In general, all the results measured in this study are above the limits allowed both locally and internationally. This is due to certain erroneous practices in daily activities in addition to the irregular spread of electric generators and commercial activities as well as heavy traffic in the city.

scholarly journals Traffic Intersections Noise Levels and Daily Noise Exposure in Chandrapur City, Central India

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
pp. 80-92
Author(s):  
Rahul K. Kamble
Keyword(s):  
Noise Level ◽  
Noise Exposure ◽  
Health And Safety ◽  
Central India ◽  
Sound Level ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Noise Levels ◽  
Road Design ◽  
Traffic Intersections ◽  
Level Meter

Noise level monitoring was carried out at nine important traffic intersections of the Chandrapur city to ascertain noise levels and daily noise exposure. A pre-calibrated mini sound level meter was used for noise measurement. Observations were recorded for 24 hours and noise level during the day, night and for 24-hours was computed. Maximum noise level during daytime was 84.27 dB(A) at Bangali camp square; whereas, minimum 79.23 dB(A) at Priyadarshani square. In case of nighttime maximum 85.90 dB(A) was at Warora naka square and minimum 70.06 dB(A) at the Jatpura gate. Minimum noise level during 24-hours was at Bagla square 84.34 dB(A) and maximum 91.14 dB(A) at Warora naka square. Noise level during day and night were above the Indian noise standard for the commercial area. The Bangali camp square was identified as the most ear-splitting square during daytime and Warora naka square at nighttime and for 24-hours also. Peak noise was recorded from 10.00 am to 11.00 am and 3.00 pm to 7.00 pm. Vehicular noise, horns, and improper road design contributed significantly to noise levels at traffic intersections. Daily noise exposure analysis by Health and Safety Executive, UK software revealed Bangali camp square and Ramnagar police station square’s daily noise exposure for 0.25 hour was maximum 70 LEP,d and minimum at Gandhi square and Bagla square 65 LEP,d. Noise levels indicated no immediate effect for hearing loss. Control measures for reduction of noise levels at traffic intersections have also been proposed.

scholarly journals 2D and 3D mapping of traffic induced noise near major roads passing through densely populated residential area of South Delhi, India

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. e0248939
Author(s):  
Pervez Alam ◽  
Kafeel Ahmad ◽  
Afzal Husain Khan ◽  
Nadeem A. Khan ◽  
Mohammad Hadi Dehghani
Keyword(s):  
Noise Level ◽  
Noise Exposure ◽  
Standard Procedure ◽  
Sound Level ◽  
Exposure Level ◽  
Residential Areas ◽  
Noise Levels ◽  
Night Time ◽  
Noise Mapping ◽  
Regulatory Standards

Noise monitoring and mapping is the critical processes to ensure that the noise level does not reach the harmful levels and provides noise exposure level details. 2-D and 3-D noise mapping has been carried out at pre-selected critical locations of major roads passing through densely populated residential areas, namely, Mathura Road, Lodhi Road, Lala Lajpat Rai Road, and Ring road, along with significant intersections, viz. Moolchand, Ashram, Sabz Burj, and Lodhi road. The monitoring has been performed during the day and night’s peak traffic hours using Sound Level Meter (SLM) Larson & Davis 831as per standard procedure. Then after, 2-D and 3-D noise maps have been prepared, visualized, and analyzed by soundPLAN (acoustic) and MapInfo Pro (Desktop GIS). The maximum noise level is observed at Ashram Chowk [81.1 dB (A)] at 8 pm; however, the minimum noise level is found to be at Lala Lajpat Rai Road [76.4dB (A)] at 7 pm. Monitoring results of noise level show non-compliance of regulatory standards for day time and night time. 2-D noise maps revealed that the noise level is maximum at the centerline of the road and decreases either side with the distance, and remains above the permissible limits at all locations. However, the 3-D noise maps show horizontal as well as vertical noise levels at all locations. The 3-D noise maps also revealed a noise level of 70 dB (A) up to a height of 6.096m at the Ashram Chowk and Moolchand intersection. However, a noise level of 65 dB (A) has been observed at the height of 5.486m at Lala Lajpat Rai Marg and Sabz Burj. This study will explore noise levels in both horizontal and vertical directions near roads surrounded by high-rise buildings. It will help the decision-makers take remedial measures.

scholarly journals Traffic-Noise Assessment at Rush Hours in Quetta City

2020 ◽  
pp. 50-56
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Noise Level ◽  
Noise Exposure ◽  
Traffic Noise ◽  
Sound Level ◽  
Mitigation Strategies ◽  
Noise Levels ◽  
Contributing Factors ◽  
Community Noise ◽  
Noise Assessment

Noise is an environmental stressor, which leads to various ailments due to the physiological and psychological stresses it creates. It is essential to understand and evaluate the contributing factors of environmental noise, especially in densely polluted areas near major roads, railways and airports, for public health policy and planning. Noise level measurement permits precise and scientific analysis of noise annoyance, and therefore, this study aimed to determine the average noise levels of Quetta city. Seventy-three (73) location’s equivalent noise levels (Leq) were measured at peak rush hours for three consecutive days. Selected areas for measurement included health care centres, educational centres, government offices, public places, residential and commercial areas. All the selected sites were located near to main roads, where the traffic noise was the most prominent noise source. Noise was measured through calibrated microprocessor sound level meter. The results were computed by taking the mean of the three readings. The results showed 74 dBA as average noise level of Quetta city. It has been found that 90% of the selected locations in Quetta city exceeded the 65dBA, while 10 % of the total locations ranged between 55 to 65 dBA. The average noise exposure of the Quetta city was greater than the permissible international noise standard. This study identified the main traffic hubs of Quetta city, which requires mitigation strategies by the policy makers specifically for Health care and Educational sectors. It also requires adequate updated plans for community noise survey and ordinance.

scholarly journals Flour Mill Workers Occupational Noise Exposure in Chandrapur City, Central India

2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Namrata R. Nimgade ◽  
R. K. Kamble
Keyword(s):  
Noise Level ◽  
Noise Exposure ◽  
Central India ◽  
Sound Level ◽  
Shop Floor ◽  
Occupational Noise ◽  
Noise Levels ◽  
Occupational Noise Exposure ◽  
Flour Mill ◽  
Grinding Machines

Assessment of occupational noise exposure of flour mill workers in Chandrapur city of central India was carried out during November 2015-January 2016. Total 62 flour mills were selected for this study comprising one, two and three grinding machines operating in the shop floor. The sound level meter was used to measure sound level at 50 cm and 3 meters from grinding machines at receiver’s position during operation. Noise monitoring was also recorded when one, two and three machines were operating individually and simultaneously. The results showed that noise levels when one grinding machine in operation in close proximity (50 cm) was in the range of 80-97 dB(A). Comparison of these observations with that of 3 meters distance; it was observed that noise levels got reduced and in the range of 70-77 dB(A). In the case of two machines in operation, it was in the range of 95-118 dB(A) at 50 cm distance and reduced to 75-95 dB(A) at 3 meters distance. This reduction in noise level was due to the propagation of noise in the ambient environment. Furthermore, daily noise exposure points, exposure points job per task and exposure points per hour were computed by using noise exposure calculator developed by Health and Safety Executive (HSE), United Kingdom. The computation from this calculator revealed that these attributes were directly depended upon noise levels in flour mills and duration of noise exposure. A positive linear Pearson’s correlation (p<0.01) was observed between noise level and exposure points per hour. Of the 65 flour mill workers surveyed, 70.76% reported a hearing problem, 23.07% headache at work and out of which 7.69% workers headache remains after completion of work also. Remedial measures to control noise exposure to flour mill workers such as ear plugs, ear muff, semi-insert are recommended.

scholarly journals Case Study in a Working Environment Highlighting the Divergence between Sound Level and Workers’ Perception towards Noise

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (17) ◽  
pp. 6122
Author(s):  
Chun-Yip Hon ◽  
Illia Tchernikov ◽  
Craig Fairclough ◽  
Alberto Behar
Keyword(s):  
Noise Exposure ◽  
Health And Safety ◽  
Sound Level ◽  
Working Environment ◽  
Noise Levels ◽  
Hearing Conservation ◽  
Attitudes And Perceptions ◽  
Noise Measurements ◽  
Survey Responses ◽  
Excessive Noise

Excessive noise levels are a prevalent issue in food processing operations and, although there have been numerous studies on occupational noise, no single study has used a concurrent mixed-methods approach. Employing this study design allows for an understanding of the level of convergence (similarity) between measured noise levels and workers’ attitudes and perceptions towards noise. This, in turn, allows for the identification of potential challenges with respect to the implementation of hearing conservation efforts. In this study, spot noise measurements were collected using a sound level meter. One-on-one interviews were conducted with workers to determine attitudes and perceptions towards noise in their workplaces. Subsequently, the results of the noise measurements (quantitative data) were integrated with the survey responses (qualitative data) to identify convergence. The majority of the noise measurements were found to exceed 85 dBA—the criterion mandated by the local occupational health and safety legislation. Although all study participants felt that it was noisy in the workplace, a large proportion of respondents indicated that the noise was not bothersome. With workers’ perception being contradictory to the measured noise levels, it is a challenge to implement hearing conservation measures unless changes are made to raise the awareness of the risks associated with excessive noise exposure.

S254 – Bone Conduction Noise Exposure via Ventilators in the NICU

2008 ◽  
Vol 139 (2_suppl) ◽  
pp. P160-P160
Author(s):  
Angela P Black ◽  
James D Sidman
Keyword(s):  
Ambient Noise ◽  
Noise Exposure ◽  
Bone Conduction ◽  
Sound Level ◽  
Noise Levels ◽  
High Noise ◽  
Endotracheal Tubes ◽  
Level Meter ◽  
Hearing Damage ◽  
Air Conduction

Objectives To demonstrate that neonatal ventilators produce high noise levels through bone conduction (BC) via endotracheal tubes, as well as air conduction (AC) from ambient noise. Methods A sound level meter was used to measure the noise levels 4 feet from the ventilator and in direct contact at the end of a balloon attached to the ETT to simulate the noise presented to the infant. 3 commonly used neonatal ventilators (Sensormedics 3100A, VIP Bird and Bunnell Jet) were examined. Results Noise levels were significantly higher (6 – 14 dB) at the end of the ETT than 4 ft from the ventilator for all ventilators studied. Conclusions Previous studies have shown high ambient noise levels in NICUs, but have failed to address the actual noise presented to the infant. ETT transmission of noise as a direct bone stimulus through the skull has been overlooked. This study has shown that high noise intensities are being presented not only as AC, but as BC to the infants though the ETT. This study demonstrates, therefore, that ear protection alone will not save these at-risk infants from hearing damage. More must be done to decrease noise exposure and develop quieter machines.

scholarly journals Neurological diagnoses in the emergency room: differences between younger and older patients

2011 ◽  
Vol 69 (2a) ◽  
pp. 212-216 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marcos C. Lange ◽  
Vera L. Braatz ◽  
Carolina Tomiyoshi ◽  
Felipe M. Nóvak ◽  
Artur F. Fernandes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Practice ◽  
Emergency Room ◽  
Older Patients ◽  
Tertiary Care Hospital ◽  
Neurological Diseases ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Primary Headache ◽  
Care Hospital ◽  
National Guidelines ◽  
And Training

Neurological diseases are prevalent in the emergency room (ER). The aim of this study was to compare the neurological diagnoses between younger and older patients evaluated in the ER of a tertiary care hospital. METHOD: Patients admitted to the ER who required neurological evaluation in the first 24 hours were separated into two groups based on age, <;50 years old and >50 years old. RESULTS: Cerebrovascular disease (59.6% vs. 21.8%, p<0.01) was most frequent in the >50 years old group. Seizures (8.1% vs. 18.6%, p<0.01) and primary headache (3.7% vs. 11.4%, p<0.01) were most frequent in the <;50 years old group. CONCLUSION: The current study demonstrated that these three neurological diagnoses represented the majority of the neurological evaluations in the ER. National guidelines for ER teams that treat these prevalent disorders must be included in clinical practice and training.

scholarly journals Appraisal of Noise Level Dissemination Surrounding Mining and Industrial Areas of Keonjhar, Odisha: a Comprehensive Approach Using Noise Mapping

2017 ◽  
Vol 42 (3) ◽  
pp. 423-432 ◽  
Author(s):  
Satish K. Lokhande ◽  
Satyajeet A. Dhawale ◽  
Samir S. Pathak ◽  
Rakesh Gautam ◽  
Mohindra C. Jain ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Noise Level ◽  
Sound Level ◽  
Noise Levels ◽  
Night Time ◽  
Noise Mapping ◽  
High Noise ◽  
Sensitive Areas ◽  
Sound Levels ◽  
Directorate General ◽  
Open Cast

Abstract Noise mapping is a well-established practice among the European nations, and it has been follow for almost two decades. Recently, as per guidelines of the Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS), India, noise mapping has been made mandatory in the mining expanses. This study is an effort to map the noise levels in nearby areas of mines in the northern Keonjhar district. The motive of this study is to quantify the existing A-weighted time-average sound level (LAeq,T ) in the study area to probe its effects on the human dwellings and noise sensitive areas with the probability of future development of the mines, roads, and industrial and commercial zone. The LAeq,T was measured at 39 identified locations, including industrial, commercial, residential, and sensitive zones, 15 open cast mines, 3 major highways, and 3 haulage roads. With the utilisation of Predictor LimA Software and other GIS tools, the worked out data is mapped and noise contours are developed for the visualisation and identification of the extent and distribution of sound levels across the study area. This investigation discloses that the present noise level at 60% of the locations in silence and residential zone exposed to significantly high noise levels surpasses the prescribed limit of Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), India. The observed day and night time LAeq, T level of both zones ranged between 43.2-62.2 dB(A) and 30.5-53.4 dB(A), respectively, whereas, the average Ldn values vary between 32.7 and 51.2 dB(A). The extensive mobility of heavy vehicles adjoining the sensitive areas and a nearby plethora of open cast mines is the leading cause of exceeded noise levels. The study divulges that the delicate establishments like schools and hospitals are susceptible to high noise levels throughout the day and night. A correlation between observed and software predicted values gives R2 of 0.605 for Ld, 0.217 for Ln, and 0.524 for Ldn. Finally, the mitigation measure is proposed and demonstrated using a contour map showing a significant reduction in the noise levels by 0-5.3 dB(A).

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