Can you hear me now?
Based on the results of available literature, it appears that most NICU's are not adhering to the sound level recommendations as advised by the AAP. The excessive noise levels are placing infants at risk for both short-term and long-term negative health outcomes. NICU staff, hospital administrators, and visitors need to be educated on the deleterious effects of increased sound levels. Paying special attention to detail when designing and altering the NICU environment will also help to eliminate sources of increased noise. Eliminating excessive noise in the NICU environment is essential in promoting positive health outcomes for preterm and term infants.
Larson
Levita
L
Bowling Green Community & Technical College, Bowling Green, KY, USA.
D004779:Environment Design; D006272:Health Facility Environment; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature; D007363:Intensive Care Units, Neonatal; D009622:Noise / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000517:prevention & control*; D014481:United States