A Noise-Sensor Light Alarm Reduces Noise in the Newborn Intensive Care Unit

Abstract

This one-group pre-post test design was to evaluate sound distribution and sudden peak noise frequencies (SPNs) and the associated events after using a noise-sensor light alarm in a tertiary neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). The alarm is activated as the sound level reaches>or=65 A-weighted decibel (dBA). The environmental sound level was monitored continuously for a period of 1 week before and 1 month after using the alarm. The mean sound level in the incubator of patients receiving ventilator support before and after using the device were 58.0+/-0.6 and 56.4+/-0.7 dBA (t=8.619; p<0.001), whereas those at the radiant heated bed were 58.0+/-2.4 and 58.1+/-2.0 dBA (t=0.715; p=0.476). The percentage of observation time of sound levels<58 dBA increased by 28% in the incubator and 4% at the radiant heated bed (p<0.001). Episodes of SPN decreased from 630 to 185 times/d in the incubator and from 2069 to 748 times/d at the radiant heated bed after using the device. The noise-sensor light alarm effectively reduces sound level and episodes of SPN in the NICU. This may alleviate stress of noise for newborns with critical illness.

Examining the effects of a targeted noise reduction program in a neonatal intensive care unit

“…However, this study was limited by the short duration of noise recordings. Chang31 measured noise levels for 1 week before and 1 month after the implementation of a noise-sensor light alarm. They found a decrease in sudden peak noise and in mean noise inside an isolette, but not on an open bed.…”

Impact of a participatory program to reduce noise in a Neonatal Unit

“…Other studies obtained even greater reductions: 5dB and 8dB in American studies (13)(14) and 11dB in an Indian study (15) . Only the Chinese (16) found a lesser reduction (2dB), although also statistically significant.…”

“…In this study the methodology included the active participation of the multi-disciplinary team in the development of the intervention program, which included a set of actions, many of them already recommended by other authors, such as: presenting a video to sensitize the team concerning the effects of noise on newborns (11,(14)(15) , and also in regard to the need to change behavior to reduce noise (12,14) , including the team in the discussion of the problem and actions to be implemented (14) , making and hanging posters with phrases warning for the need to keep silence (11)(12)15) , installing anti-impact guards on drawers and cabinet doors (21) , paying attention to equipment alarms (5,16,22) , and implementing daily moments of silence in the neonatal unit (12,22) . As opposed to the previously mentioned studies, this study's group wards with greater levels of noise, such as respiratory care and recovery rooms (14) .…”

Intervention Minimizing Preterm Infants’ Exposure to NICU Light and Noise

“…Therefore, innovative ways should be designed and implemented to continuously sensitize and encourage NICU professionals to control ambient light and noise in the nursery environment. For example, Chang, Pan, Lin, Chang, and Lin (2006) report that a noise-sensor light alarm in the NICU that lights up when noise reaches 65 dB was successful in reducing noise levels inside incubators of preterm infants. Other ideas could be (a) to routinely post signs in the NICU reminding professionals of light and noise control strategies, (b) to organize educational rounds discussing recent evidence on interventions controlling light and noise, and (c) to have a suggestion box where professionals could submit ideas for controlling these stimuli in the NICU.…”