Sound Environments Surrounding Preterm Infants Within an Occupied Closed Incubator

Area of Science:

• Neonatal care
• Environmental health
• Pediatric audiology

Background:

• Neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) present a stressful environment for preterm infants.
• Elevated sound pressure levels (SPL) in NICUs exceed recommended guidelines, potentially causing functional disorders.
• High noise levels are linked to adverse outcomes like attention deficit disorder and physiological instability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantify sound pressure level (SPL) and frequency characteristics around preterm infants.
• To assess noise exposure from high frequency oscillation (HFO) and nasal directional positive airway pressure (nasal-DPAP) in incubators.

Main Methods:

• Descriptive research study involving eight preterm infants (corrected age < 33 weeks).
• Measured actual noise levels within incubators with specific respiratory support equipment.
• Compared observed noise levels to recommendations from neonatal experts.

Main Results:

• Respiratory support equipment can generate increased noise levels.
• Elevated noise is associated with impaired self-regulation in neonates.
• Potential risks include attention deficit disorder, tachycardia, bradycardia, increased intracranial pressure, and hypoxia.

Conclusions:

• Healthcare providers must monitor noise levels from respiratory support devices.
• Adverse effects of elevated sound on preterm infants require close assessment.
• Interventions are necessary to protect infants from noise exceeding safe levels.