Maria Quinn

The loud signal of an alarm when vital signs drop, staff running to help, a seemingly chaotic situation - loud and intense! Being able to react and respond without hesitation is crucial and also represents the everyday life of many healthcare workers. Our brain is thankfully constructed to manage high stress situations. An enormous amount of chemicals is released into your body to escape the attacking predator, or more likely nowadays, respond to a stressful situation at work. But what happens when we are exposed to frequent unnecessary sound signals? Well, a whole lot of things actually and many of them are not good for us in the long run.

So what to do? Learning about our sound environment and the impact it has on our body and mind is a very good start. When you have knowledge about something you have a good chance of finding different ways to address it and make a change for the better.

As a cardiac nurse I have many times found myself in the scenario of vital signs dropping, and all that follows. And I really think it is important to spread the knowledge of planning, constructing and designing really good work places in hospitals and other healthcare settings. Creating good sound environments will support both staff and patients, aid in communication and contribute to the healing process.

But what about the hygiene issues, can we really use absorbers? Good news, creating well-functioning hospitals and fulfilling hygiene criteria is compatible and doable.

So yes – that’s what I do. Because it can be done.

If you want help, guidance or inspiration to support the creation of a good sound environment, please contact me on maria.quinn@ecophon.se or follow me on social media, see above.