Fig. 3From: The nocturnal acoustical intensity of the intensive care environment: an observational studyNoise patterns in the intensive care unit. Mean noise (dB (A)) levels for each 5-min interval are presented for the 9Â h of recording. Comparatively, the maximum noise levels recorded for each of the intervals are depicted, identifying peak noise levels (dB (A)) that patients are exposed to during the nocturnal period. Variability in noise levels (dB (A)), as determined by the difference between the mean noise level and the maximum noise level for each 5-min interval is presented and reflects the rapidly changing noise levels present in an ICU environmentBack to article page