Evaluation of the effect of sound intensity on vital signs in neonatal intensive care unit

INTRODUCTION: Newborns, and especially prematures, suffer acute and chronic damage from noise during hospitalization. Therefore, it is important to monitor the noise levels of both the in-tub and out-of-tub environment. In this study we aimed to evaluate the effects of sound level measurement, noise sources and sound level on the vital signs of infants in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.
METHODS: We measured the sound levels at three different time point and two different sites during the day to determine the sources of the noise using the Benetech Sound Level Meter GM1352. During each measurement, the number of people in two sections of the NICU, the number of devices working, and the vital signs of the patients were recorded.
RESULTS: The average noise level in the first region was 58.58±10.7 dB and the average noise level in the second region was 50.17±6,407 db. There was a significant decrease in SaO2 values, especially during periods when the volume was high (p<0.01). It was also determined that the number of breaths, pulse and sleeplessness levels increased during periods when the sound level rose above a certain level. As a source of noise the number of people working devices used and the presence of the nurse desk in the section were found.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: İt was determined that the recommended sound level in our unit was generally exceeded and that these levels had various adverse effects on infants. It is necessary to take measures to reduce the negative effects of noise on babies.