Sound Pressure Levels Found in a Popayán, Colombia Child Development Center Niveles de Ruido en un Centro de Desarrollo Infantil de Popayán– Colombia Popayán, Colombia

Abstract

Objective: to determine the sound pressure levels (NPS) in a Child Development Center (CDI) of Popayán -Cauca. Methods: descriptive, cross-sectional study in a target population of 341 subjects. The NPS was evaluated in ten academic classrooms, the administrative area, the playroom, the dining room, the hallway, the social garden, the playground and the parking lot. The measurement was carried out during a week, in several moments like the time of arrival, time of departure, breakfast hour, lunch time and in the rest of the children. A calibrated digital sound level meter (Sound Meter) was used to measure the NPS. Results: The day with the highest NPS was on Tuesday with 77 dB, followed by the Friday with 75. The classroom with the highest NPS (82 dB) was Garden C, while the classrooms in the crib and Párvulos B had lower NPS 72 dB). The place with less NPS was the playroom with 59 dB, contrary to the dining room with 80 dB. The highest NPS were presented at the children’s arrival time at CDI, departure time and lunchtime with an average of 83 dB. Conclusions: NPS found to exceed the limits allowed according to Colombian regulations and not to take preventive measures, can become a risk for hearing and influence the proper development of language and school performance.