Int Arch Otorhinolaryngol 2013; 17(02): 196-201
DOI: 10.7162/S1809-97772013000200013
Original Article
Thieme Publicações Ltda Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Sound pressure level in a municipal preschool

Adriana Aparecida Tahara Kemp
1   Speech Therapist. Graduated from São Paulo State University - UNESP - Marília / SP, Brazil.
,
Camila Ribas Delecrode
2   Speech Therapist. Post-graduate student of the Human Communication Disorders Program - Master level at São Paulo State University - UNESP - Marília / SP, Brazil.
,
Heraldo Lorena Guida
3   Speech Therapist. Professor of the Speech Therapy and Audiology Department of São Paulo State University - UNESP - Marília / SP, Brazil.
,
André Knap Ribeiro
4   Engineer, Specialist in Occupational Safety. Graduate of Integrated College Jacarepaguá - IFJ - Jacarepaguá / RJ, Brazil.
,
Ana Claúdia Vieira Cardoso
5   Speech Therapist. Professor of the Speech Therapy and Audiology Department of São Paulo State University - UNESP - Marília / SP, Brazil.
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

03 February 2013

26 February 2013

Publication Date:
09 January 2014 (online)

Summary

Aim: To evaluate the sound pressure level to which preschool students are exposed.

Method: This was a prospective, quantitative, nonexperimental, and descriptive study. To achieve the aim of the study we used an audio dosimeter. The sound pressure level (SPL) measurements were obtained for 2 age based classrooms. Preschool I and II. The measurements were obtained over 4 days in 8-hour sessions, totaling 1920 minutes.

Results: Compared with established standards, the SPL measured ranged from 40.6 dB (A) to 105.8 dB (A). The frequency spectrum of the SPL was concentrated in the frequency range between 500 Hz and 4000 Hz. The older children produced higher SPLs than the younger ones, and the levels varied according to the activity performed. Painting and writing were the quietest activities, while free activities period and games were the noisiest.

Conclusion: The SPLs measured at the preschool were higher and exceeded the maximum permitted level according to the reference standards. Therefore, the implementation of actions that aim to minimize the negative impact of noise in this environment is essential.

 
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