Elevated sound levels within a busy NICU.
OBJECTIVE
Elevated sound levels in the NICU may contribute to undesirable physiologic and behavioral effects in preterm infants. This study describes sound levels in a busy NICU in the southeastern U.S. and compares the findings with recommended NICU noise level standards.


METHODS
NICU sound levels were recorded continuously at nine different locations within the NICU. Hourly measurements of loudness equivalent (Leq) sound level, sound level exceeded 10 percent of the time (L10), and maximum sound level (Lmax) were determined.


METHODS
Sound levels were sampled from nine different locations within the NICU.


METHODS
Sound levels are described using the hourly, A-weighted Leq, L10, and Lmax.


RESULTS
The overall average hourly Leq (M = 60.44 dB, range = 55-68 dB), L10 (M = 59.26 dB, range = 55-66 dB), and Lmax (M = 78.39, range = 69-93 dB) were often above the recommended sound levels (hourly Leq <50 dB, L10 <55 dB, and 1-second Lmax <70 dB). In addition, certain times of day, such as 6-7 AM and 10 AM-12 noon, were noisier than other times of day.
Krueger
Charlene
C
College of Nursing, University of Florida, Health Science Center, Gainesville 32610-0187, USA. ckrueger@nursing.ufl.edu
Wall
Susan
S
Parker
Leslie
L
Nealis
Rose
R
D015400:Clinical Nursing Research; D004781:Environmental Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000032:analysis* / Q000517:prevention & control; D004784:Environmental Monitoring / Q000379:methods; D017408:Guidelines as Topic; D006272:Health Facility Environment; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D007363:Intensive Care Units, Neonatal / Q000458:organization & administration*; D007374:Interior Design and Furnishings; D009622:Noise / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000517:prevention & control; D012307:Risk Factors; D013018:Sound Spectrography; D015144:Southeastern United States; D013997:Time Factors