1846 Assessment of Sound Levels in a Neonatal Intensive Care unit in Alzahra Teaching Hospital in Tabriz, Iran

Abstract

Introduction The maleffects of loud noise on preterm infants have been recognized for years and the necessity of measuring the noise level and its reduction in NICU has been proven to the Neonatologists. Aim This study aims to evaluate the noise level of NICU in Tabriz Alzahra hospital and compare it with the standard level and also to specify the noise producing sources. Materials and Methods 24 accidental, continuous hours were selected in four working days and the Leq, L10, Lmax and Lzpeak variables were measured in six fixed spots of NICU ward using a sound level meter based on dBA. Results The mean of noise levels gained in the form of Leq (M=63.46 dB), L10(M=65.81dB), Lmax(M=71-24dB) in six different spots and hours of measurement was higher than the standard level (NICU Leq=45dB, L10=50dB, Lmax=65dB). There was no significant difference in the noise level of the six spots measured. The loudest Leq belonged to the round hours of the nurses and had a direct relationship with the number of people present in the ward. The least Leq was related to the time when the fewest number of people were present in the ward. Based on their intensity, the noise producing sources were application of metal equipments and dropping them, presence of students, nurse rounds, physicians' rounds, alarms of devices and the wheels of portable trolleys, respectively. Conclusion Noise level in NICU ward is higher than the standard level, it is necessary to take measures for the purpose of reducing it.