Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 14, 2026
Clinical Practice Protocol of Creative Music Therapy for Preterm Infants and Their Parents in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
Published on: January 7, 2020
A Comparison of Sound Levels in Open Plan Versus Pods in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
Karlie Ramm1, Trudi Mannix2, Yvonne Parry2
11 Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Women's and Children's Hospital, Adelaide, South Australia.
Objective:
The objective of this study was to compare the noise levels recorded in two different neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) settings: a pod and an open plan NICU located in the same hospital.
Background:
The NICU is a busy environment with ambient noise levels that often exceed established recommendations. This noise deleteriously affects the physiological stability and developmental outcomes of sick and preterm infants. Pods have reduced numbers of cots (in this case, 6) compared to open plan NICUs (in this case, 11), yet the noise levels in pods have not been reported.
Method:
This study compared real-time decibel (dB) levels in an A-weighted scale, captured continuously by sound dosimeters mounted in both NICU settings for a period of 4 weeks: a pod setting and an open plan NICU. Researchers also collected observational data.
Results:
The average noise level recorded in the pod was 3 dBs less than in the open plan NICU. This result was statistically significant. However, dB recordings in both areas were over the recommended limits by 4-6 dBs, with isolated peaks between 74.5 dBs (NICU) and 75.9 dBs (pod). Observational data confirmed this correlation.
Conclusions:
Further research to evaluate interventions to decrease the noise levels in both settings are needed, especially during times of peak activity. Staff working in these settings need to be more aware that control of acoustic levels is important in the neuroprotection of neonates. Coupling this with careful consideration to structural components and evidence-based design planning may contribute to lowering dB levels in the NICU environment.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Assessment of Ventilation II: Respiratory Depth and Rhythm
Respiratory depth measures the volume of air inhaled or exhaled during a breath. It can vary from shallow to deep and typically remains consistent when a person is at rest or asleep. Occasionally, individuals will automatically inhale deeply, known as sighing, which inflates the lungs with more air than normal breathing.
To assess respiratory depth, observe the degree of chest excursion or movement:
00:53Sound Intensity Level
The human ear can perceive an extensive range of sound intensity, necessitating the use of the logarithmic scale to define a physical quantity—the intensity level. It is a ratio of two intensities and...
01:20Assessment of Ventilation I: Respiratory Rate
A Ventilation assessment is critical for monitoring a patient's health status. Respiration, one of the most accessible vital signs, provides insights into the function of numerous body systems and can indicate serious health issues, such as brainstem injuries from head trauma.
Critical Guidelines for Assessing Ventilation:
01:23Mechanical Ventilation III: Noninvasive Ventilation
Noninvasive Positive-Pressure Ventilation...
01:21Acute Respiratory Failure-II
The underlying physiological abnormalities that contribute to hypoxemic respiratory failure include:
01:30Acute Respiratory Failure-III