PAISAJE SONORO Y MAPA DE RUIDO DE UN ÁREA HOSPITALARIA EN UNA CIUDAD PEQUEÑA

This article investigates noise pollution in hospital areas, focusing on the Hospital de Caridade e Beneficência (HCB) in Cachoeira do Sul, Rio Grande do Sul. Through field measurements and simulations using the iNoise software, sound pressure levels around the hospital and the local population's perception of noise impact were analyzed. The results indicate that noise levels exceed the limits established by NBR 10.151, with values reaching up to 61.7 dB, while the allowed limit for residential and hospital areas is 50 dB. The main noise-generating factors are vehicular traffic and machinery. Despite the high noise levels, respondents’ perceptions revealed an adaptation to the noise, with many considering the environment calm. It is concluded that, even in smaller cities, noise pollution affects sensitive areas such as hospitals, making it necessary to implement acoustic mitigation measures to ensure user comfort.