PURPOSE: to analyze the impact of noise on nurses' health in the hospital environment. METHOD: this is a descriptive cross-sectional study, with quantitative analysis of data. 138 nurses of the admission sector were studied. It was held a drawing to define the sectors of hospitalization of the central building. For purposes of study, we used a sound level meter of the type II to evaluate noise levels in selected sectors. For data collection it was used a questionnaire composed of open and closed questions RESULTS: the results for noise assessment showed that it ranged between (52,35) dBA and (84, 60) dBA. Studies revealed that most nurses are female (84, 78%) aged between 40 and 49 years old. In relation to the information on noise in the workplace, 76,05% said their workplace is noisy. Regarding the discomfort, 69,57% felt uncomfortable with noise produced in the hospital. The main noise sources were: equipment with alarms (36, 23%), high conversations and laughter (34, 06%) and people movement (18, 12%). The most quoted auditory complaint was tinnitus (14, 49%), extra-auditory irritation (45, 63%) was followed by sleep disturbances, and headache (44, 20%) and low concentration (34, 78%). CONCLUSION: it was concluded that the sound pressure levels measured were higher than recommended, and from several sources. It appears that nurses don't have the needed knowledge about the noise effects on their health, but they expressed discomfort about them.
Noise Effects; Auditory Perception; Occupational Risks
