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.]
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
customersupport@researchsolutions.com
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.