59.0 dBA
average PACU noise level nearly 20 dB above WHO recommendation
Mean sound level in the PACU was 59.0 dBA, far exceeding the WHO-recommended 40 dBA
Using noise dosimeters at 3 separate locations in the Ghent University Hospital PACU, researchers recorded sound levels every second over 11 days. The mean A-weighted equivalent sound level (LAeq) was 59.0 dBA (SD 6.5). This consistently surpassed the World Health Organization's recommended ceiling of 40 dBA LAeq for hospital patient areas, indicating a chronic noise problem with potential adverse effects on patient recovery.
The mean A weighted equivalent sound level pressure (LAeq) was 59.0 A-weighted decibel (dBA) (standard deviation 6.5), exceeded the noise levels recommended by the World Health Organization (40 dBA LAEQ).
Related findings
+9.59 arousals
more sleep arousals under ICU noise conditions than baseline
ICU noise significantly increases the number of sleep arousals in healthy subjects
Sandra Horsten et al., 2017, British Journal of Anaesthesia
-6.08%
lower heart rate with combined audio-visual nature stimuli at 26°C
Combined audio-visual natural stimuli reduced heart rate by 6.08% at 26°C
Min Wang et al., 2026, Buildings
>30 dB
background noise in all monitored bedrooms exceeded recommended sleep levels
The equivalent continuous sound pressure level in all monitored bedrooms was above 30 dB
Michael T. Solomon et al., 2025, Buildings
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