Noise quantification in the intensive care unit of a tertiary care hospital

BACKGROUND Noise in intensive care units (ICUs) frequently exceeds recommended levels [the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends equivalent continuous noise level (Leq) < 35 dB], arising from alarms, equipment, and staff activity. Elevated sound can disrupt patients' sleep, increase stress, and impair recovery. AIM To identify the extent of noise exposure in the ICU. METHODS This observational study was conducted in the adult ICU of a tertiary care hospital. Noise was measured using the