Evaluation and control of the acoustical environment in a long‐term‐care facility. Free

This paper discusses the acoustical evaluation of the Minoru Residence long‐term‐care facility, to respond to concerns by its staff regarding the acoustical conditions. A review of existing acoustical standards with an analysis of their applicability to health‐care facilities was conducted for the problems observed in the Minoru Residence. Measurements were made of the acoustical characteristics: unoccupied and occupied noise levels, reverberation times, Speech Intelligibility Index, and noise isolation. They showed that background noise levels in several key areas including the Rehabilitation Office and the Patient Lounges exceeded acceptable values. Reverberation times were excessive in the entrance lobby and patient common areas. The Speech Intelligibility values in the Nurse Stations and Rehabilitation Offices were below acceptable values. The noise isolation was inadequate between the entrance lobby and office areas. Recommendations were made for the improvement of the acoustical conditions. These recommendations include the reinforcement of the Front Office façade, and the application of acoustical ceiling tiles to the Rehabilitation Office and the entrance lobby.