Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 5, 2026
06:34
Infant Auditory Processing and Event-related Brain Oscillations
Published on: July 1, 2015
Noise and the premature infant: physiological effects and practice implications
Pamela Bremmer1, Jacqueline F Byers, Ermalynn Kiehl
1Neonatal Intensive-care Unit, All Children's Hospital, St. Petersburg, Florida 33701, USA. bremmerp@allkids.org
Summary
Excessive noise in neonatal intensive-care units negatively impacts premature infants. Reducing noise levels through environmental modifications can improve infant recovery and maturation.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Environmental Health
- Pediatric Physiology
Background:
- Premature infants in neonatal intensive-care units (NICUs) face continuous noise exposure.
- This auditory overstimulation causes adverse physiological effects, including elevated heart rate, respiratory rate, and decreased oxygen saturation.
- The NICU environment can impede infant maturation and recovery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the pathophysiology and physiological changes in premature infants due to noise-induced stress.
- To discuss practical interventions for reducing noise levels within the NICU setting.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on premature infant responses to NICU noise.
- Analysis of physiological changes and stress responses in neonates.
- Identification and discussion of evidence-based noise reduction strategies.
Main Results:
- Continuous noise in NICUs leads to significant negative physiological responses in premature infants.
- Environmental modifications can create a more therapeutic NICU setting.
- Specific interventions can mitigate noise exposure.
Conclusions:
- Reducing NICU noise is crucial for improving the health outcomes of premature infants.
- Implementing sound-absorbing materials and minimizing staff conversations are effective interventions.
- A quieter NICU environment supports infant development and healing.
