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Sound levels in a neonatal intensive care unit significantly exceeded recommendations, especially inside incubators
Author(s) -
Parra Johanna,
Suremain Aurelie,
Berne Audeoud Frederique,
Ego Anne,
Debillon Thierry
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
acta paediatrica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.772
H-Index - 115
eISSN - 1651-2227
pISSN - 0803-5253
DOI - 10.1111/apa.13906
Subject(s) - incubator , decibel , medicine , neonatal intensive care unit , noise (video) , intensive care , sound (geography) , sound exposure , noise level , audiology , pediatrics , acoustics , intensive care medicine , hearing loss , physics , artificial intelligence , computer science , microbiology and biotechnology , image (mathematics) , biology
Abstract Aim This study measured sound levels in a 2008 built French neonatal intensive care unit ( NICU ) and compared them to the 2007 American Academy of Pediatrics ( AAP ) recommendations. The ultimate aim was to identify factors that could influence noise levels. Methods The study measured sound in 17 single or double rooms in the NICU . Two dosimeters were installed in each room, one inside and one outside the incubators, and these conducted measurements over a 24‐hour period. The noise metrics measured were the equivalent continuous sound level ( L eq ), the maximum noise level ( L max ) and the noise level exceeded for 10% of the measurement period ( L 10 ). Results The mean L eq , L 10 and L max were 60.4, 62.1 and 89.1 decibels ( dBA ), which exceeded the recommended levels of 45, 50 and 65 dBA (p < 0.001), respectively. The L eq inside the incubator was significantly higher than in the room (+8 dBA , p < 0.001). None of the newborns’ characteristics, the environment or medical care was correlated to an increased noise level, except for a postconceptional age below 32 weeks. Conclusion The sound levels significantly exceeded the AAP recommendations, particularly inside incubators. A multipronged strategy is required to improve the sound environment and protect the neonates’ sensory development.