Characterizing the hearing comfort in intensive care unit using objective and subjective evaluation

Hospital is a place that should be free of acoustic problems. According to previous researches, these acoustic problems are responsible for 20.9% - 26.2% of the ICU patient´s recovery process. A research based on soundscape of a hospital was done through objective, subjective and simulation methods. The result has shown that the most perceived loud sound is from the ventilator at 4000 Hz with loudness level of 60 phon. The L90 score is between 55-59 dBA. The Leq ranged between 50.78-67.49 dBA at the left ear and 60.07-76.55 at the right ear from the first receiver position. From the second measuring point, L10 score is around 52.08-72.19 dBA at the left ear and 61.91-78.94 at the right ear. This value indicates that the noise level in the ICU is high enough, and caused discomfort for human hearing. Installation of panels on ceiling at the nurse ward can reduce the intensity level up to 3 dBA. Meanwhile, relocation of nurse ward can reduce up to 4 dBA.