title: Impact of the NICU environment on language deprivation in preterm infants.
abstract: It is unclear whether the atypical language development commonly seen in preterm infants is a consequence of language deficiency experienced during their prolonged NICU stay. This review provides a novel viewpoint, which highlights the potential impact of the NICU design on the developmental origin of language disabilities in preterm infants.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Further research is needed to identify evidence-based design solutions for providing preterm infants with a healthier linguistic hospital environment that aids growth and development.
authors.affiliation: Department of Newborn Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
authors.forename: Katherine
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Rand
authors.forename: Amir
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Lahav
mesh_terms: D004777:Environment; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature; D007363:Intensive Care Units, Neonatal; D007804:Language Development; D012683:Sensory Deprivation
keywords: Deprivation; Design; Language; NICU; Preterm; Sounds