Infants born preterm are at greater risk for auditory dysfunction than full-term infants. To better understand and characterize the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) auditory experience, we sought to examine the sound pressure levels (SPLs) in the NICU and the presence of a circadian pattern of sound level exposure. Data were collected for very preterm infants (born ≤ 32 weeks’ gestation; n = 36) during NICU stay. Audio recordings were collected over 24-hour intervals, three times per week for each subject using a LENA recorder that was adhered to the inside wall of the infant’s incubator or crib. Average hourly SPL values were calculated from the raw recordings. Preliminary analysis indicates that the highest hourly exposures occurred during the hours of 8–9 AM and 8–9 PM, presumably corresponding to a shift change of the NICU nursing staff. Ongoing analyses are examining whether 24-hour patterns of exposure are affected by bed type and location in the NICU. It is hoped that this line of study will lead to interventions designed to prevent audiological impairments associated with preterm birth and NICU environmental exposures. [Work supported by NIH Grant R21-DC017820.]
The neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) provides lifesaving care to premature neonates. During this vulnerable time of life, infants are exposed to a variety of sounds uncharacteristic of the womb. Within the NICU, sound pressure levels have the potential to vary across days. The American Academy of Pediatrics has recommended an hourly noise exposure limit for NICUs of less than 45 dBA. The aim of this study is to assess daily sound pressure level exposures for preterm infants in the NICU. Sound pressure levels were measured using 24-hour audio recording devices (LENA). The device was placed inside the crib or incubator with the infant or moved to the area of care if the infant was removed from the crib or incubator. We collected 672 24-hour recordings from 36 very preterm infants (≤32 weeks gestational age). Preliminary analysis indicates the average daily exposures ranged from 53.4 to 68.6 dB SPL across subjects and days. Ongoing analyses are examining potential environmental and medical factors contributing to high levels of noise exposure for these infants. [Work supported by NIH Grant R21-DC017820.]
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