Noise pollution in an intensive care unit for nephrology and dialysis.

By means of high sensitivity phonometers, noise levels in different sites of an intensive care unit (ICU) for nephrology and dialysis were evaluated before and after acoustical renovation of the rooms. The noise levels registered in the diurnal hours of the working day were always higher than those recommended for sites devoted to patient care. The authors analysed the negative effects of noise pollution on nephrology patients and the medical personnel of the unit.