[Molestation of patients and personnel in noise-exposed gynaecological hospital (author's transl)].

Noise levels were measured in the Gynaecological Hospital of the University of Rostock. Patients, medical doctors, and nurses were interviewed on their own molestation. The equivalent permanent sound level, Leq, was 63.5 dB (AI) on average in patient rooms on daytime, while the average night value was 59.8 dB (AI). Maximum sound pressures, Lmax, varied between 55 and 80 dB (AI) in patient rooms. An Lmax of 85 dB (AI) was measured on a ward corridor, when instruments were cleaned in the wash-basin of a service room. Molestation by outdoor noise was reported by 88 per cent of 85 patients interviewed, while 29 per cent felt disturbed by indoor noise. The noise was perceived as disturbing also by the personnel. While the gravest role for the hospital investigated by played by outdoor noise, greatest attention should be given also to the control of indoor noise.