The experience of noise in communication-intense workplaces: A qualitative study

Abstract

Objective The aim of the study was to explore and describe how workers in communication-intense workplaces in health care and preschools experience the sound environment. The dependence on vocal communication and social interaction poses a challenge using hearing protection in these working environments. Method A qualitative method was used, more specifically inductive thematic analysis was used, as this approach was deemed suitable to explore the staff’s experiences of the sound environment. Data were collected by interviews and to increase trustworthiness, several researchers were involved in the data collection and analysis. Study sample Workers from two preschools, one obstetrics ward and one intensive care unit took part in the study. Results Four main themes emerged from the thematic analysis: A challenging and harmful sound environment; Health-related effects of a challenging and harmful sound environment; A good sound environment is not prioritised; and Resourceful and motivated staff. Conclusions Workers in communication-intense workplaces in preschools, obstetrics care and intensive care reported that there was a relationship between the sound environment and negative health effects. In addition, the results suggests that the high motivation for change among staff should be utilised together with an increased prioritization from the management to reach innovative context specific improvements to the sound environment in communication intense working environments.

How to remain in working life with hearing loss – health factors for a sustainable work situation

“…Informants discussed this issue in a qualitative study where employees in communication-intense workplaces such as health care and preschools were asked how they experienced their sound environment. The authors found that the informants considered workplace noise meaningful but disturbing [60]. Preschool teachers explained that they "needed to be constantly attentive to sounds, in order to be aware of what was going on among the children" [60, p.6].…”

Effect of Noise, Blood Glucose, and Body Mass Index on Lactate Levels in Textile Industry Workers

“…Occupational fatigue caused by noise occurs through mechanisms of psychological and physical disturbances in workers (Radun et al, 2022). Noise can disrupt concentration, interfere with communication, and create stress (Fitria & Malik, 2022), all of which can contribute to occupational fatigue (Gyllensten et al, 2023). When workers work in a very noisy environment, the body will increase the body's metabolism process, thus requiring energy from lactate acid (Zhang et al, 2017).…”