Mean sound level in operation rooms in a referral hospital: a brief report

Surgeons and anesthesiologists working in orthopedic operating theatres are exposed to significant noise pollution due to the use of powered instruments. This may carry a risk of noise-induced hearing loss. The present study was designed to quantify the noise pollution experienced by anesthesiologists at Imam Khomeini Hospital which is one of the largest Iranian hospitals. Prior to beginning of any operation a sound level meter was worn by the anesthesiologist at the level of chest pocket. Basal sound level was recorded. All changes in the sound level of 25 operation rooms and two related pass ways were recorded and the mean sound level along with maximum sound level were noted. These data were analyzed by SPSS version 17. For comparing the mean values، the One way ANOVA and Post-Hoc analysis was used. Noise exposures were compared with occupational health guidelines. Our comparative data showed that orthopedic operation room had the highest level of noise، indicating that orthopedic operation room is significantly suffered by the most types of noise with the P value of 0. 002. This is contrast to the sound levels at the other operation rooms which were at same range and were not significantly different. Comparison of the maximum sound level between these 27 places showed that orthopedic and one of general surgery room had top two maximum sound levels. Overall total noise dose during all types of surgeries was measured as twice of permitted dose and also orthopedic and general operation rooms experience brief periods of noise exposure in excess.