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Are high flow nasal cannulae noisier than bubble CPAP for preterm infants?
High flow nasal cannulae (HFNC) are not noisier than bubble continuous positive airway pressure (BCPAP) for preterm infants. This study found no significant difference in noise levels, suggesting HFNC may be a quieter alternative for neonatal respiratory support.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal care
- Pediatric audiology
- Respiratory support devices
Background:
- Neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) noise is a risk factor for hearing loss in preterm infants.
- Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) devices generate noise exceeding recommended levels.
- High flow nasal cannulae (HFNC) are a popular alternative to CPAP, but their noise production is unstudied.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare noise levels produced by HFNC and bubble CPAP (BCPAP) in preterm infants.
- To determine if HFNC is a quieter alternative to BCPAP for neonatal respiratory support.
Main Methods:
- Observational study measuring noise in the external auditory meatus (EAM) of preterm infants.
- Used a microphone probe tube and calibrated digital dosimeter to record noise levels.
- Measured noise across frequencies, reported in decibels A-weighted (dBA).
Main Results:
- No significant difference in average EAM noise levels between HFNC and BCPAP (mean difference -1.6 dBA).
- HFNC was quieter than BCPAP at low frequencies (500 Hz) by 3.0 dBA.
- Noise increased with BCPAP gas flow, but not set pressure; a trend for increased HFNC noise with gas flow was observed.
Conclusions:
- HFNC devices are not noisier than BCPAP devices for preterm infants at the studied gas flows.
- HFNC may offer a quieter alternative to BCPAP, potentially reducing noise-induced hearing loss risk in neonates.
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