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Comparison of noise levels caused by four different neonatal high-frequency ventilators
1Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, University Children's Hospital, Mathildenstrasse 1, D-79106 Freiburg, Germany. thomas.hoehn@charite.d
Objective:
To test the hypothesis that neonatal high-frequency ventilators create different noise levels depending upon ventilator settings and device-specific properties.
Materials:
Three neonatal ventilators with built-in high-frequency options (Babylog 8000, Infant Star, Stephanie) and an exclusive high-frequency oscillator (SensorMedics 3100A).
Measurements:
Noise levels were recorded by a microphone and measured by a decibel recording device at a defined distance from a test lung.
Results:
Noise levels were highest for the SensorMedics and the Babylog (70 dB and 62 dB, respectively). Whereas the SensorMedics increased noise production with amplitude, the Babylog remained at a constant level. The Infant Star (52 dB) and the Stephanie (54 dB) were significantly less noisy at their maximum levels of amplitude (40 mbar and 50 mbar, respectively).
Conclusion:
Most levels recorded were below those measured within an incubator without the use of a ventilator. We conclude that neonatal high-frequency ventilators do not represent a major contribution to noise levels for newborns in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs).