Noise in an Intensive Care Nursery/Newborn Unit

Abstract

Objective: The study aimed to analyze the existing noise levels in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of a Hospital in Northern Portugal, to determine the main noise sources and to compare the values obtained with those recommended by international agencies.Sample: 500 hours of measurement of the NICU’s general sound environment and approximately 280 hours of the sound inside the incubators.Methods: The measurements were performed with two sound level meters Brüel and Kjaer, 2260 Investigator model and 2236 model class 1, and dosimeters Bruel Kjaer, 4445 model and and CESVA DC 112, class 2.Results: Sound levels were recorded in different places in NICU. It was found that the recorded sound levels were higher than those recommended by various international bodies (American Academy of Pediatrics; World Health Organization; US Environmental Protection Agency) in the various indicators. As the noise level that a newborn is subject may compromise their health and development, it was also proposed measures that aim to reduce noise level in these units.