Noise in the operation theatre: intensity and sources.

In recent years the deleterious effects of environmental noise on human health and work performance has evoked considerable concern (1-3). Prolonged exposure to loud noise in daily life may act as a biological stressor leading to sustained activation of the autonomic nervous system and the pituitary adrenal axis with many far reaching physiological & psychological effects (4). In hospital settings, the staff and patient alike are also exposed to a barrage of sound (5). The operation theatres (OT) in particular are as susceptible to noise pollution as other working environments with noise levels akin to those encountered on a motorway (6). This noise has a dual effect of impaired concentration & performance of the OT staff as well as increased anxiety and discomfort In conscious patients (7).