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Noise  pollution  occurs  when  there  is  “unwanted  or  disturbing sound”  –  that  is, when sound either  interferes with  normal  activities  or  disrupts  or  diminishes one’s  quality  of life. Noise pollution can be external (from outside) or internal (from inside).

In the context of a healthcare facility, external noise includes traffic, deliveries and sirens.

Internal noise can include  ventilator noise  and alarms, suctioning,  heart monitor  alarms,

nebulizers,  pulse  oximeter  tones  and  alarms,  telephones  ringing,  air  conditioning,

television, radio,  banging, rubbish  bin  or trolley  noises, intercoms, staff  bleeps, talking

(staff, nurses), visitors, fellow-patients,  and general activities.

These sources  of  noise  pollution  have  varying  impacts  on  patients.  However, studies

show  that staff  conversation  and  alarms  seem  to  be  the  most  disturbing  noises  when patients try to sleep.