title: Neonatal intensive care unit sound levels before and after structural reconstruction.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This study compared sound levels before and after structural reconstruction within an NICU.
  
  
  METHODS
  Using a descriptive design, sound level recordings (in decibels, A-weighted scale) of the Leq, L10, and Lmax were measured continuously for 8 hours (0600-1400) before and after reconstruction in an NICU located in north central Florida.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Levels before reconstruction were Leq M = 60.44 dB, L10 M = 59.26 dB, and Lmax M = 78.39 dB. The average overall sound levels after reconstruction were Leq M = 56.4 dB, L10 M = 60.6 dB, and LmaxM = 90.6 dB. Although an approximate 4-decibel decrease in the Leq sound level after reconstruction was noted, a similar decrease in the L10 and Lmax did not occur. Furthermore, sound levels after reconstruction in the NICU still exceeded recommended levels (Leq < 50 dB, L10 < 55 dB, and Lmax < 70 dB).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Findings from this study demonstrated the positive impact that reconstruction can have on sound levels (4 dB Leq decrease); however, additional interventions may be needed to meet the current standards for noise reduction in an NICU.
authors.affiliation: University of Florida, Gainesville, USA. ckrueger@ufl.edu
authors.forename: Charlene
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Krueger
authors.forename: Shirley
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Schue
authors.forename: Leslie
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Parker
mesh_terms: D004784:Environmental Monitoring / Q000379:methods*; D005431:Florida; D006272:Health Facility Environment / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006749:Hospital Design and Construction / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007363:Intensive Care Units, Neonatal / Q000458:organization & administration*; D007374:Interior Design and Furnishings / Q000379:methods*; D008880:Midwifery / Q000458:organization & administration; D009622:Noise / Q000517:prevention & control*; D010362:Patients' Rooms / Q000458:organization & administration