Ambient Noise Levels in Nursing Homes

2000 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 30-35 ◽  
Author(s):  
James E. Lankford ◽  
Catherine M. Hopkins
Keyword(s):  
Nursing Home ◽  
Nursing Homes ◽  
Home Environment ◽  
Ambient Noise ◽  
Bone Conduction ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Hearing Tests ◽  
Noise Levels ◽  
Insert Earphones ◽  
Air Conduction

Conducting hearing tests and hearing screenings in the nursing home environment can be a challenge. One issue which may affect the validity of the test results is the level of ambient noise in those facilities when a sound-treated booth is not available. This study sampled the ambient noise levels in ten different nursing homes and compared those results to the ANSI S3.1-1999 criteria for maximum permissible ambient noise levels. Based on the results of this investigation, the use of insert earphones for air conduction assessments is recommended when a sound-treated booth is unavailable and noise levels exceed the ANSI criteria. Other suggestions regarding air-conduction and bone-conduction assessments are discussed.

S254 – Bone Conduction Noise Exposure via Ventilators in the NICU

2008 ◽  
Vol 139 (2_suppl) ◽  
pp. P160-P160
Author(s):  
Angela P Black ◽  
James D Sidman
Keyword(s):  
Ambient Noise ◽  
Noise Exposure ◽  
Bone Conduction ◽  
Sound Level ◽  
Noise Levels ◽  
High Noise ◽  
Endotracheal Tubes ◽  
Level Meter ◽  
Hearing Damage ◽  
Air Conduction

Objectives To demonstrate that neonatal ventilators produce high noise levels through bone conduction (BC) via endotracheal tubes, as well as air conduction (AC) from ambient noise. Methods A sound level meter was used to measure the noise levels 4 feet from the ventilator and in direct contact at the end of a balloon attached to the ETT to simulate the noise presented to the infant. 3 commonly used neonatal ventilators (Sensormedics 3100A, VIP Bird and Bunnell Jet) were examined. Results Noise levels were significantly higher (6 – 14 dB) at the end of the ETT than 4 ft from the ventilator for all ventilators studied. Conclusions Previous studies have shown high ambient noise levels in NICUs, but have failed to address the actual noise presented to the infant. ETT transmission of noise as a direct bone stimulus through the skull has been overlooked. This study has shown that high noise intensities are being presented not only as AC, but as BC to the infants though the ETT. This study demonstrates, therefore, that ear protection alone will not save these at-risk infants from hearing damage. More must be done to decrease noise exposure and develop quieter machines.

scholarly journals Application of a Prediction Model for Ambient Noise Levels and Acoustical Capacity for Living Rooms in Nursing Homes Hosting Older People with Dementia

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (12) ◽  
pp. 4205 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul Devos ◽  
Francesco Aletta ◽  
Pieter Thomas ◽  
Tara Vander Mynsbrugge ◽  
Mirko Petrovic ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nursing Home ◽  
Nursing Homes ◽  
Prediction Model ◽  
Group Size ◽  
Ambient Noise ◽  
Verbal Communication ◽  
Living Room ◽  
Noise Levels ◽  
People With Dementia

Acoustic comfort is becoming an increasingly important dimension for practitioners in the context of design of care facilities for older adults, namely nursing homes. Defining the quality of these spaces based on room acoustics criteria alone might be challenging if aspects related to their functioning (e.g., speech-based activities) are not taken into account. The acoustical capacity concept has been previously proposed for eating establishments as a way to provide a quality assessment based on both physical characteristics of the space and the perceived quality of verbal communication. In this study, a revised version of a prediction model for ambient noise levels based on occupancy and an estimation of acoustical capacity are proposed for nursing homes hosting people with dementia, and the corresponding parameters of slope, group size and absorption per person are optimized for the specific application, using a Nursing Home in Flanders (Belgium) participating to the AcustiCare project as case study. Results show that, compared to normal eating establishments, lower absorption per person values and higher group size values should be used in nursing homes to reduce errors in ambient noise levels prediction. Furthermore, using a retrofit intervention carried out in the living room of the Nursing Home, the enhanced acoustical capacity of the space was analysed. Results, in this case, show that, prior to the retrofit intervention, the acoustical capacity was already exceeded with average occupancy (i.e., saturated in normal functioning conditions), while the reduction in reverberation time achieved with the retrofit increased considerably the acoustical capacity of the space, shifting the quality of verbal communication in the living room from insufficient to satisfactory.

Evaluation of Remote Categorical Loudness Scaling

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
Judy G. Kopun ◽  
McKenna Turner ◽  
Sara E. Harris ◽  
Aryn M. Kamerer ◽  
Stephen T. Neely ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Home Environment ◽  
Ambient Noise ◽  
Preliminary Evidence ◽  
Laboratory Setting ◽  
Output Level ◽  
Noise Levels ◽  
Home Setting ◽  
Adult Participants ◽  
Loudness Scaling ◽  
Remote Setting

Purpose: The aims of this study were to (a) demonstrate the feasibility of administering categorical loudness scaling (CLS) tests in a remote setting, (b) assess the reliability of remote compared with laboratory CLS results, and (c) provide preliminary evidence of the validity of remote CLS testing. Method: CLS data from 21 adult participants collected in a home setting were compared to CLS data collected in a laboratory setting from previous studies. Five participants took part in studies in both settings. Precalibrated equipment was delivered to participants who performed headphone output level checks and measured ambient noise levels. After a practice run, CLS measurements were collected for two runs at 1 and 4 kHz. Results: Mean headphone output levels were within 1.5 dB of the target calibration level. Mean ambient noise levels were below the target level. Within-run variability was similar between the two settings, but across-run bias was smaller for data collected in the laboratory setting compared with the remote setting. Systematic differences in CLS functions were not observed for the five individuals who participated in both settings. Conclusions: This study demonstrated that precise stimulus levels can be delivered and background noise levels can be controlled in a home environment. Across-run bias for remote CLS was larger than for in-laboratory CLS, indicating that further work is needed to improve the reliability of CLS data collected in remote settings. Supplemental Material https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.17131856

Evaluating a Smartwatch-based Notification System in a Simulated Nursing Home: The Method

2017 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 132-138 ◽  
Author(s):  
Haneen Ali ◽  
Huiyang Li ◽  
Jesse Wong
Keyword(s):  
Nursing Home ◽  
Nursing Homes ◽  
Home Environment ◽  
Communication Technologies ◽  
Evaluation Study ◽  
High Fidelity ◽  
Direct Impact ◽  
Notification System ◽  
Routine Tasks

Lack of notification and communication technologies that connect the staff and the residents was found to be one of the main challenges that face nursing homes. Call light systems provide two-way communication that notifies the staff about the residents’ needs. It was found to have a direct impact on the safety and quality of care. However, current call light systems might not be effective or have many usability issues. Thus, we developed a smartwatch-based notification system for nursing homes and evaluated the effectiveness of a high-fidelity prototype of the system in a simulated nursing home. Certified Nurse Aids (CNAs) working in local nursing homes were invited to perform routine tasks using a traditional call light system and the smartwatch system. This paper focuses on the method part of the evaluation study. In particular we provide details about the process of setting up the simulated nursing home environment and the methods for obtaining the dependent measurements.

scholarly journals Risk Factors for COVID-19 Morbidity and Mortality in Institutionalised Elderly People

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (19) ◽  
pp. 10221
Author(s):  
Ander Burgaña Agoües ◽  
Marta Serra Gallego ◽  
Raquel Hernández Resa ◽  
Beatriz Joven Llorente ◽  
Maria Lloret Arabi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nursing Home ◽  
Nursing Homes ◽  
Elderly People ◽  
Barthel Index ◽  
Morbidity And Mortality ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Polymerase Chain ◽  
Home Workers ◽  
Adequate Management ◽  
Pcr Test

Background: SARS-CoV-2 has caused a high mortality in institutionalised individuals. There are very few studies on the involvement and the real impact of COVID-19 in nursing homes. This study analysed factors related to morbidity and mortality of COVID-19 in institutionalised elderly people. Methods: This cohort study included 842 individuals from 12 nursing homes in Sant Cugat del Vallès (Spain) from 15 March to 15 May 2020. We evaluated individual factors (demographic, dependence, clinical, and therapeutic) and those related to the nursing homes (size and staff) associated with infection and mortality by SARS-CoV-2. Infection was diagnosed by molecular biology test. Results: Of the 842 residents included in the analysis, 784 underwent a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test; 74.2% were women, the mean age was 87.1 years, and 11.1% died. The PCR test was positive in 44%. A total of 33.4% of the residents presented symptoms compatible with COVID-19 and of these, 80.9% were PCR-positive for SARS-CoV-2. Infection by SARS-CoV-2 among residents was associated with the rate of staff infected in the homes. Mortality by SARS-CoV-2 was related to male sex and a greater grade of dependence measured with the Barthel index. Conclusions: SARS-Cov-2 infection in institutionalised people is associated with the infection rate in nursing home workers and mortality by SARS-Cov-2 with sex and greater dependency according to the Barthel index. Adequate management of nursing home staff and special attention to measures of infection control, especially of individuals with greater dependence, are keys for successful management of future pandemic situations.

The Acoustic Test Environment for Hearing Testing

2015 ◽  
Vol 26 (09) ◽  
pp. 784-791 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert H. Margolis ◽  
Brandon Madsen
Keyword(s):  
Ambient Noise ◽  
Acoustic Measurements ◽  
Hearing Tests ◽  
Noise Levels ◽  
Test Environment ◽  
Data Collection And Analysis ◽  
The Cost ◽  
Audiometric Test ◽  
Attenuation Characteristics ◽  
Made In

Background: Audiology clinics traditionally employ expensive, prefabricated sound rooms to create an environment that is sufficiently quiet for accurate hearing tests. There is seldom any analysis of the need for or benefit from such enclosures. There may be less expensive methods that would decrease the cost of and increase access to hearing testing. Purpose: This report provides information concerning the need for and effectiveness of sound rooms and an analysis of the audiometric test ranges for various earphone/room combinations. Research Design: Acoustic measurements made in four rooms were analyzed with the attenuation provided by various earphone designs to determine the maximum permissible ambient noise levels and the corresponding audiometric test ranges. Study Sample: The measurements and calculations were performed with four test rooms and five earphone designs. Data Collection and Analysis: Ambient noise levels and earphone attenuation characteristics were used to calculate the noise levels that reach the ear. Those were compared to the maximum permissible ambient noise levels that are provided in ANSI S3.1-1999 or calculated from measured attenuation levels. These measurements were used to calculate testable ranges for each room/earphone combination. Results: The various room/earphone combinations resulted in minimum test levels that ranged from −10 to 20 dB HL at various test frequencies. Conclusions: When the actual benefits of expensive prefabricated sound rooms are assessed based on the range of hearing levels that can be tested, the effectiveness of that approach becomes highly questionable. Less expensive methods based on planning the clinic space, use of inexpensive sound treatments, and selecting an appropriate earphone can be effective in almost any space that would be used for hearing testing.

AUTOMATED SCREENING AUDIOMETRY IN THE DIGITAL AGE: EXPLORING UHEAR™ AND ITS USE IN A RESOURCE-STRICKEN DEVELOPING COUNTRY

2013 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 42-47 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katijah Khoza-Shangase ◽  
Lisa Kassner
Keyword(s):  
Ambient Noise ◽  
Research Evidence ◽  
Noise Levels ◽  
Ipod Touch ◽  
School Aged Children ◽  
Significant Statistical Difference ◽  
Hearing Thresholds ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Automated Screening ◽  
Air Conduction

Background: The current study aimed to determine the accuracy of UHear™, a downloadable audiometer on to an iPod Touch©, when compared with conventional audiometry.Methods: Participants were enrolled primary school scholars. A total number of eighty-six participants (172 ears) were included. Of these eighty-six participants, forty-four were female and forty-two were male; with the age ranging from 8 years to 10 years (mean age, 9.0 years). Each participant underwent two audiological screening evaluations; one by means of conventional audiometry and the other by means of UHear™. Otoscopy and tympanometry was performed on each participant to determine status of their outer and middle ear before each participant undergoing pure tone air conduction screening by means of conventional audiometer and UHear™. The lowest audible hearing thresholds from each participant were obtained at conventional frequencies.Results: Using the Paired t-test, it was determined that there was a significant statistical difference between hearing screening thresholds obtained from conventional audiometry and UHear™. The screening thresholds obtained from UHear™ were significantly elevated (worse) in comparison to conventional audiometry. The difference in thresholds may be attributed to differences in transducers used, ambient noise levels and lack of calibration of UHear™.Conclusion: The UHear™ is not as accurate as conventional audiometry in determining hearing thresholds during screening of school-aged children. Caution needs to be exercised when using such measures and research evidence needs to be established before they can be endorsed and used with the general public.

Uitbraak COVID-19 in de verpleeghuiszorg

2020 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Nursing Home ◽  
Nursing Homes ◽  
Long Term Care ◽  
Informal Caregivers ◽  
Rapid Review ◽  
Daily Routine ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Care Facilities

Long-term care for older adults is highly affect by the COVID-19 outbreak. The objective of this rapid review is to understand what we can learn from previous crises or disasters worldwide to optimize the care for older adults in long term care facilities during the outbreak of COVID-19. We searched five electronic databases to identify potentially relevant articles. In total, 23 articles were included in this study. Based on the articles, it appeared that nursing homes benefit from preparing for the situation as best as they can. For instance, by having proper protocols and clear division of tasks and collaboration within the organization. In addition, it is helpful for nursing homes to collaborate closely with other healthcare organizations, general practitioners, informal caregivers and local authorities. It is recommended that nursing homes pay attention to capacity and employability of staff and that they support or relieve staff where possible. With regard to care for the older adults, it is important that staff tries to find a new daily routine in the care for residents as soon as possible. Some practical tips were found on how to communicate with people who have dementia. Furthermore, behavior of people with dementia may change during a crisis. We found tips for staff how to respond and act upon behavior change. After the COVID-19 outbreak, aftercare for staff, residents, and informal caregivers is essential to timely detect psychosocial problems. The consideration between, on the one hand, acute safety and risk reduction (e.g. by closing residential care facilities and isolating residents), and on the other hand, the psychosocial consequences for residents and staff, were discussed in case of other disasters. Furthermore, the search of how to provide good (palliative) care and to maintain quality of life for older adults who suffer from COVID-19 is also of concern to nursing home organizations. In the included articles, the perspective of older adults, informal caregivers and staff is often lacking. Especially the experiences of older adults, informal caregivers, and nursing home staff with the care for older adults in the current situation, are important in formulating lessons about how to act before, during and after the coronacrisis. This may further enhance person-centered care, even in times of crisis. Therefore, we recommend to study these experiences in future research.

Predictors of Mortality in Board and Care Homes

1997 ◽  
Vol 36 (1) ◽  
pp. 77-87 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicholas G. Castle
Keyword(s):  
Nursing Home ◽  
Nursing Homes ◽  
Social Services ◽  
Long Term Care ◽  
Significant Proportion ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Care Facilities ◽  
Board And Care

Long-term care institutions have emerged as dominant sites of death for the elderly. However, studies of this trend have primarily examined nursing homes. The purpose of this research is to determine demographic, functional, disease, and facility predictors and/or correlates of death for the elderly residing in board and care facilities. Twelve factors are found to be significant: proportion of residents older than sixty-five years of age, proportion of residents who are chair- or bed-fast, proportion of residents with HIV, bed size, ownership, chain membership, affiliation with a nursing home, number of health services provided other than by the facility, the number of social services provided other than by the facility, the number of social services provided by the facility, and visits by Ombudsmen. These are discussed and comparisons with similar studies in nursing homes are made.

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