Neonatal nursery noise: practice-based learning and improvement

Abstract

Noise in our NICU exceeded the international permissible levels. Noisy events are numerous, which altered the neonates' physiologic stability especially preterm infants. Staff education is mandatory in ameliorating noise pollution with its deleterious effects on neonatal physiologic homeostasis.

Auditory Exposure in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: Room Type and Other Predictors

“…This is important because the overstimulating environment of the NICU may have adverse effects on the growth and development of preterm infants. 5–7 …”

Prognosis of Very Preterm Infants with Severe Respiratory Distress Syndrome Receiving Mechanical Ventilation

“…Other developmental risks related to mechanical ventilation in premature infants Lung include loss of self-regulatory behaviors to control stress, a delay in oral readiness for feeding, and maternal deprivation caused by the physical limitations of mechanical ventilation. Conversely, individualized strategy and developmentally oriented care premature infants led to a shorter duration of mechanical ventilation, a reduced use of opiates, and earlier discharge from the hospital [21]. Early HFOV may be a feasible strategy for sick infants with greater degrees of respiratory compromise.…”

Music Therapy in the NICU

“…Sound levels within the NICU vary depending on the design of the unit, time of day, and activity levels in the unit. 15, 16 Reported NICU sound levels range from 51 to 90 dB. 7, 15, 16 Common sounds have been measured and reported.…”

“…15, 16 Reported NICU sound levels range from 51 to 90 dB. 7, 15, 16 Common sounds have been measured and reported. For example, cardiorespiratory alarms increase the sound level to 73 dB, the sound of endotracheal suctioning is 68 dB, and the telephone ringing increases the sound level to 83 dB.…”

“…For example, cardiorespiratory alarms increase the sound level to 73 dB, the sound of endotracheal suctioning is 68 dB, and the telephone ringing increases the sound level to 83 dB. 16 One study found that sound inside an incubator with all equipment off and the hood down is 53 dB 17 with cardiorespiratory alarms, it increased to 59 dB. 14 Even opening the plastic sleeve was found to be 58 dB and closing the solid plastic porthole was found to be 73 dB.…”