BEYOND HEARING LOSS: HOSPITAL NOISE AND PERCEIVED STRESS AMONG HEALTHCARE WORKERS

Objectives: Noise is a common occupational hazard in healthcare settings and can impact mental health negatively. This study aimed to compare perceived stress levels among healthcare workers employed in high-noise units in hospitals and office workers, and to evaluate the relationship between noise exposure and perceived stress. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted with a total of 103 healthcare workers, 47 of whom worked in high-noise units. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and a 14-item Perceived Stress Scale. Statistical analyses were performed using the chi-square test, t-test, Mann–Whitney U test, Kruskal–Wallis test, Spearman correlation analysis and multivariable linear regression. Results: Perceived Stress Scale scores were significantly higher among workers in noisy units compared with office workers [median: 28 vs. 25, p = 0.002]. Working in noisy units was associated with an approximately 5-point higher perceived stress score compared with office work, after adjustment for age, gender, and education level. Conclusions: Healthcare workers employed in units characterized by elevated background noise levels reported higher perceived stress scores than office workers. Considering the limitations of the study, these findings should be interpreted as indicating an association rather than providing evidence of a causal relationship. Nevertheless, the results suggest that occupational noise may contribute to perceived stress and support further investigation of occupational noise as a potential psychosocial risk factor in healthcare settings.