Noise in the ambulatory health care setting: How loud is too loud?

A study was conducted to assess noise levels at the Sycamore Primary Care Center, an ambulatory health care facility. It is hypothesized that the building design led to an unusually quiet environment. Noise levels were sampled over a two-week period at two locations within the center, with a range of between 49.2 and 53.2 decibels. A comprehensive literature review failed to find comparison data at other ambulatory care facilities. However, when comparing the results to those of a typical business office environment, the building is unusually quiet. This should result in a positive environment for employees, by increasing productivity and reducing stress.