Noise in the Operating Room During Induction of Anesthesia: Effects and Mitigation Strategies

Purpose: Operating rooms (ORs) often exceed recommended sound levels, which may negatively impact anesthesia induction. This study aims to quantify noise levels during anesthesia induction, evaluate their effects on healthcare professionals and patients, and compare findings to existing literature, including a previous review by Engelhardt et al.Methods: An observational study was conducted over three months in 2024 at University Hospital Ibn Rochd, involving 112 surgical procedures. Noise levels were measured using a calibrated smartphone application. Thirty anesthesiologists and nurse anesthetists completed questionnaires to assess noise-induced stress, communication difficulties, and concentration challenges. Mann-Whitney U tests and Chi-squared tests were used for statistical analyses.Results: Median noise levels during induction were 75.5 dB (IQR: 68.0-81.3), exceeding the WHO’s 35 dB threshold. Trauma-orthopedics procedures recorded the highest levels at 80.2 dB (p < 0.001). While 60% of staff reported noise-induced stress, patients showed significant increases in heart rate (92 bpm to 115 bpm; p < 0.001) and blood pressure (130/85 mmHg to 150/95 mmHg; p = 0.02). Educational interventions reduced noise in 62% of cases.Conclusion: Excessive noise during anesthesia induction compromises patient safety and staff performance. This study reinforces the need for concerted noise-reduction strategies-behavioral, educational, and technological-to optimize OR conditions.