A hospital corridor with a white door labelled PATIENTS ONLY, abstract art on the walls, a fire extinguisher mounted on the right, and a handrail on the left. The setting is clean and modern.

Improving acoustic comfort at Chelsea and Westminster hospital – The SILENTS study

Ecophon has been investigating noise levels in hospitals for many years, in particular how sound affects people. Investigating the impacts on both staff and patients by seeking to better understand the sounds people find annoying and exploring how better acoustics could ease stress, improve focus, and create a calmer atmosphere.

Ecophon has been part of the Sound in Clinical Environments (SILENTS) study looking at the effects of noise in the Acute Assessment Unit at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital in London, a project funded by the hospital’s official Charity, CW+. The aim of the study is to improve the experience of the acoustic environment on a busy noisy ward via an intervention study. Whilst previous studies in this area have documented high sound levels in clinical spaces, few have evaluated the effectiveness of a combination of noise reduction measures.

The interventions include the installation of Ecophon acoustically absorbent Class A Ecophon Hygiene Meditec™ ceiling tiles and Ecophon Hygiene Performance™ Care Wall wall panels.

Whilst not yet fully completed the study has some interesting interim results.
This has shown in quantitative data such as a reduction in sound pressure levels both day and night post acoustic treatment such as those shown below for the staff base.

Line graph titled Staff Base 2 showing sound pressure levels (dB) over time. Two lines compare LAeq before (red) and after (blue), with the after line generally lower throughout the day. X-axis: time, Y-axis: dB levels.

Qualitative data revealed that staff were troubled by the high noise levels before the intervention. Many described struggling to focus on conversations and feeling stressed by the constant need to monitor every sound in case it signalled an alarm or a patient in distress. Patients aged 75 plus and living with presbycusis (age‑related hearing loss) were more likely to report disruptions to sleep, daytime rest, or poor communication with staff or visitors as a result of sound noise on the ward.

Positive feelings relating to sounds were all also reported including the importance of friendly interactions, kind words, laughter, camaraderie and reassurance.

For further information on this study, or a CPD* featuring the results of hospital research into the effects of noise on patients and staff please contact Andrea.harman@ecophon.co.uk

*RIBA CPD (Continuing Professional Development) is a mandatory annual program for RIBA Chartered Members to maintain their architectural skills, knowledge, and competence.