The impact of noise in intensive care units on the wellbeing of healthcare workers

This study aims to investigate the impacts of noise in intensive care units (ICUs) on the well-being of healthcare workers. To achieve this, a series of research activities were conducted. Firstly, noise monitoring was carried out at ICUs in China to explore the noise levels and sources. Secondly, a questionnaire survey was performed with ICU nurses to investigate the risk of voice disorders, utilising the Voice Handicap Index (VHI-30). Additionally, voice use of ICU nurses was monitored using a wearable microphone. Thirdly, the hearing of ICU nurses was assessed through Pure Tone Audiometry test (PTA) and Digits-In-Noise (DIN) test. Lastly, semi-structured interviews were conducted to explore how ICU nurses perceive and react to the noise in ICUs. This paper will present the outcomes of the aforementioned research.