Hospital operating rooms (OR) can reach noise levels up to 120 decibels, equivalent to a siren or a loud rock concert, which can negatively impact staff well-being and performance. Research shows that up to 66% of OR staff experience noise-related hearing loss. While many studies have been conducted on OR noise, design best practices for reducing noise have not been established.
Gresham Smith’s Research & Insights team set out to evaluate various OR scenarios to identify design solutions that can lower noise intensity. By understanding the current state of acoustics in OR environments, the team found that hard, monolithic surfaces contribute to noise reflection instead of absorption, leading to increased noise levels and potential health impacts.
Internal and external factors such as HVAC systems, medical equipment, staff interactions, and room locations can impact noise levels. By focusing on sound diffusion and absorption in OR design, the team hypothesized that altering room shapes and applying acoustic materials can reduce reverberation time and improve speech intelligibility.
Through acoustic analysis of different OR scenarios, the team found that rooms with absorbent design features performed best in terms of decreasing reverberation time and enhancing speech intelligibility. Traditional OR finishes contribute to noise pollution, but incorporating acoustic materials can effectively reduce noise levels.
Design strategies such as placing noisy equipment away from the main operating area, minimizing unnecessary movement in the room, and keeping music volumes low can further improve the OR environment for staff and patients alike.
Implementing these corrective changes can lead to a better working environment for OR staff and ultimately improve patient outcomes.
