Neonatal intensive care unit sound levels before and after structural reconstruction.
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.
Krueger
Charlene
C
University of Florida, Gainesville, USA. ckrueger@ufl.edu
Schue
Shirley
S
Parker
Leslie
L
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