Hospital patients face much greater night-time noise than many people realise, according to a new report.Researchers at the Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust found even mundane tasks carried out by nurses can create significant disturbance.Experts working on the study monitored average decibel levels and put together noise reduction programmes for a total of 92 wards.Lead author Annette Richardson said: "Hospitals can be very noisy places. Dropping a stainless steel bowl creates 108 decibels, which is more than the 100 decibels from a nearby car horn or chainsaw."Even opening a packet of rubber gloves creates 86 decibels, which is louder than heavy traffic at 80 decibels."Changes brought in following the work included telephones being turned down or set to vibrate rather than ring.Sound levels dipped from averages of 96.48 decibels to 77.52 decibels, increasing the chances of patients getting a decent night's sleep in bed.
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