Determination of noise exposure for newborns during their stay in Gazi University Hospital neonatal ıntensive care unit

Fifty seven premature and term infants were studied to measure noise exposure including frequency (Hertz) and sound pressure level (decibel) during the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) stay ; and determine the relationship between noise exposure and clinical parameters including vital signs, oxygenation, hospitalization duration and success of full enteral feeding in newborn infants. Patienst were followed in three different incubators and all variabilities were registered. A microphone?s placed in incubator near to the infant?s head at admission and continuous records were done until discharge. Mean recording time was 133,73±112,9 hours.Noise exposure was found higher during unit rounds in NICU. Maximum and mean noisy hours were determined to be between 8-16 a.m. Maximum and average noise levels were not statistically significant different between preterm and term infants. Infants receiving respiratory support, exposed more noise when compared with the other times.Infants who are exposed to higher noisy conditions; more tachycardia, higher systolic and diastolic pressure and lower oxygen saturation were found statistically (p<0.05). However no change in respiratory rate was found.Negative correlation between noise levels (average and maximum) and birth weights was determined (r=0.028, r=0.048). At 28,6 % of hospitalization period, infants were exposed to high noise levels above of 45 decibels.which is the AAP?s recomendation level alsoAs a result, high noise levels above recommended levels were recorded at NICU of Gazi University Medicine Faculty. ; Low birth weight newborns experienced more noise and main noise source in NICU was found to be incubators. In order to decrease noise levels in NICU, newborn care should be done more carefully, health staff education should also be done, and devices in NICU should be controlled periodically. More studies are also needed to take necessary steps in NICUand each unit should be aware of their physical conditions.