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Updated: Aug 13, 2026

Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale
Published on: August 25, 2014
Elevated sound levels within a busy NICU
Charlene Krueger1, Susan Wall, Leslie Parker
1College of Nursing, University of Florida, Health Science Center, Gainesville 32610-0187, USA. ckrueger@nursing.ufl.edu
Purpose:
Elevated sound levels in the NICU may contribute to undesirable physiologic and behavioral effects in preterm infants. This study describes sound levels in a busy NICU in the southeastern U.S. and compares the findings with recommended NICU noise level standards.
Design:
NICU sound levels were recorded continuously at nine different locations within the NICU. Hourly measurements of loudness equivalent (Leq) sound level, sound level exceeded 10 percent of the time (L10), and maximum sound level (Lmax) were determined.
Sample:
Sound levels were sampled from nine different locations within the NICU.
Main Outcome Variable:
Sound levels are described using the hourly, A-weighted Leq, L10, and Lmax.
Results:
The overall average hourly Leq (M = 60.44 dB, range = 55-68 dB), L10 (M = 59.26 dB, range = 55-66 dB), and Lmax (M = 78.39, range = 69-93 dB) were often above the recommended sound levels (hourly Leq <50 dB, L10 <55 dB, and 1-second Lmax <70 dB). In addition, certain times of day, such as 6-7 AM and 10 AM-12 noon, were noisier than other times of day.
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