Abstract

In this study noise source in a ward at four general hospitals in Seoul area has investigated and analysed. The degree of reaction against noise by 171 randomly has also been examined. The results of the study have shown that the source of noise is the speakers of wired broadcasting or from visiting guests in two hospitals located in residential area. The patients at the two other hospitals located at commercial site have been suffered more from traffic noise, However, because of their separated living at hospital from their ordinary houselife, sixty on percent of the inpatients have wished a music sound of around 60 dB (A). After having considered the results of the investigation and wishes of the inpatients, following suggestions have been made: 1. Reduce the number of guests or their length of stay. 2. Wired bodadcasting system should be substitued by sireless one, or if it's unavoidable, it should be used in office rooms only. 3. Since the stops and starts of vehicles induce much noise, Seoul City Government be requested to prepare an appropriate administrative measure for the vehicles around hospital area and ti should prevent the establishment of new hospitals along high way site. 4. By using earphone, inpatients can choose a wireless channel according to each individual's taste. This through the masking effect, would cover up the noise source. 5. Rooms along the streets should be utilized as offices, otherwise double windows should be set up for inpatient's wards.