Abstract
OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of noise reduction management on occupational protection, auditory fatigue and physical and mental well-being in central sterile supply department (CSSD) staff. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed on the clinical data of the same cohort of 40 staff members from the CSSD of Nanjing Chest Hospital, Affiliated Nanjing Brain Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, between May 2023 and June 2025. All subjects received conventional management for 12 months from May 2023 to May 2024, and the combined conventional and noise reduction management for 12 months from June 2024 to June 2025. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 23.0 software. The following parameters before and after noise reduction management were compared using paired t-tests: occupational protection status, auditory fatigue, quality of life (Generic Quality of Life Inventory-74 [GQOLI-74]), sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index [PSQI]) and noise intensity levels. RESULTS: After the implementation of noise reduction management, the average and maximum noise exposure levels were significantly lower than those before management (P < 0.05). In addition, significant improvements were observed across the following five evaluated dimensions: noise protection awareness, implementation of noise protection measures, environmental noise optimisation, distribution and utilisation of noise protection equipment and noise supervision (all P < 0.05). Additionally, post-implementation PSQI scores were significantly lower and pure-tone hearing threshold recovery time was notably shorter than pre-implementation levels (P < 0.05). Furthermore, scores in all domains of the GQOLI-74, namely, physical function, social function, psychological function and material life, significantly increased after noise reduction management (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The implementation of systematic noise reduction management in the hospital CSSD was associated with reduced environmental noise levels and improved occupational protection among staff members. These measures may contribute to the alleviation of auditory fatigue and improvement in sleep quality and overall quality of life.