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[The noise in neonatal intensive care units]
H Guimarães1, A M Oliveira, J Spratley
1Serviço de neonatologia, hospital de S João, Alameda Prof Hernani Monteiro, Porto, Portugal.
Background:
Noise constitutes a significant problem in Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICU) because of its potential deleterious effects on the newborn patients and staff. The aim of this study was to evaluate the degree of noise in the NICU of Hospital S João, Oporto, in order to identify its origin and possibility of reducing it.
Material And Methods:
Measurements of noise were made for 24 hours, between 13 and 14 June 1994, in five different locations inside the NICU, using a slow time constant sonometer.
Results:
The surrounding noise level changed between 61 and 67 dB (A), with spikes over 100 dB (A).
Conclusions:
Our results were similar to those previously reported in the literature. The following measures to reduce the level of noise were taken: 1) reduction of alarm sounds to minimal safe level; 2) replacement of doors; 3) instructions to visitors and staff.