Newborns Safety at Neonatal Intensive Care Units: Are they Exposed to Excessive Noise during Routine Health Care Procedures?

Alberto Alves Carvalhais, Carlos; Vieira Da Silva, Manuela; Xavier, Ana; Santos, Joana

http://hdl.handle.net/10400.22/10256

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Authors

Alberto Alves Carvalhais, Carlos

Vieira Da Silva, Manuela

Xavier, Ana

Santos, Joana

Abstract(s)

Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) noise may be stressful to preterm infants. This research evaluated the newborns exposure to noise during several health care activities of two NICU. The measurements of the equivalent continuous A-weighted sound pressure level and peak sound pressure level were carried were performed with a sound level meter, as close as possible of the newborn. The results showed that sound pressure levels were excessive in all the evaluated tasks, exceeding international guidelines. The levels ranged between 46.6 dBA to 74.6 dBA. There is a need for more research in order to verify the effectiveness of specific strategies to reduce the impact of noise in NICU.