Emily K. Pope

Date

4-27-2018

Document Type

Thesis

Abstract

This quantitative study investigated decibel levels and employee perceptions of the noise levels in four child care facilities. Using a sound level meter, the decibel levels of each facility were measured when the rooms were unoccupied and when they were unoccupied and, information about the acoustic environment was collected. Employees (n= 22) completed a survey rating noise levels during activities throughout the day and the potential implications of the noise levels on their voice and hearing. Results showed that the child care facilities adhered to OSHA standards for permissible noise in work environments (90dBA for 8 hours). The sound-level measurements of the unoccupied facilities ranged from 34dBA to 53dBA and the sound level measurements of the occupied facilities ranged from 60dBA to 89dBA. Three of the four facilities incorporated design elements to reduce noise levels in their facility. Approximately half of the employees reported that they frequently needed to repeat themselves (n= 9) and raise their voice (n= 11) in order to be heard in their work environment. While the majority of participants did not report ringing in their ears, all employees (n=2) working in the facility with minimal acoustic considerations reported ringing in their ears.

Department

Communication Sciences and Disorders

Thesis Comittee

Ahmed Abdelal (Thesis Director)

Sandra Ciocci

Karen Aicher

Copyright and Permissions

Original document was submitted as an Honors Program requirement. Copyright is held by the author.

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