Evaluation of noise in the delivery room

Abstract

Aim: to evaluate the level of noise in the delivery room. Method: exploratory and descriptive study using the DEC-490 sound level meter by Instrutherm® for the registration of sound pressure level in decibels. The Mann-Whiteney U-test and the Kruskal-Wallis test were used to compare the noise, according to the hospital and the type of delivery, respectively. Results: the vaginal delivery without analgesia and the maternity without teaching activities obtained the highest average noise level (66.9dB and 65.3dB).The average overall noise level was 64dB, superior to the values recommended by current regulatory standards, be it national or international. Conclusions: the high level of noise is a concern for all the professionals involved in childbirth care, as well as for the woman and the newborn, and it requires awareness and measures aimed at reducing it.