Sound Levels in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: What Are They?

Abstract

Background Premature and sick neonates are negatively affected by elevated sound levels in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends maximum sound levels of 45 decibels (dB). Objectives To measure sound levels in a level III NICU and to observe contributing environmental factors. Methods A descriptive quantitative study. Baseline sound levels were measured using a portable sound meter in the NICU and contributing environmental factors were simultaneously observed. Findings Mean sound levels were between 61 dB to 65 dB, 90% of the time. Contributing environmental factors: number of people, neonates, alarms, infant acuity, and shift type (p < 0.05). Multiple linear regression findings show observational data variables explain 14.5% of the sound levels in the NICU. Conclusions Sound levels were consistently high in the NICU and environmental factors contributed significantly to the sound levels. Further studies should evaluate interventions to reduce sound levels in the NICU.