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Am J Perinatol 2006; 23(5): 265-272
DOI: 10.1055/s-2006-941455
Copyright © 2006 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

A Noise-Sensor Light Alarm Reduces Noise in the Newborn Intensive Care Unit

Ying-Ju Chang1 , Ya-Jung Pan2 , Yuh-Jyh Lin3 , Yan-Zen Chang4 , Chyi-Her Lin3
  • 1Department of Nursing, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Taiwan, Republic of China
  • 2Nursing Department, Chi-Mei Foundation Hospital, Taiwan, Republic of China
  • 3Department of Pediatrics, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, Taiwan, Republic of China
  • 4Photoelectronics Application Department, Semiconductor Process Equipment Division, Mechanical Industry Research Laboratories, Industrial Technology Research Institute, Taiwan, Republic of China
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Publication History

Publication Date:
09 May 2006 (online)

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ABSTRACT

This one-group pre-post test design was to evaluate sound distribution and sudden peak noise frequencies (SPNs) and the associated events after using a noise-sensor light alarm in a tertiary neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). The alarm is activated as the sound level reaches ≥ 65 A-weighted decibel (dBA). The environmental sound level was monitored continuously for a period of 1 week before and 1 month after using the alarm. The mean sound level in the incubator of patients receiving ventilator support before and after using the device were 58.0 ± 0.6 and 56.4 ± 0.7 dBA (t = 8.619; p < 0.001), whereas those at the radiant heated bed were 58.0 ± 2.4 and 58.1 ± 2.0 dBA (t = 0.715; p = 0.476). The percentage of observation time of sound levels < 58 dBA increased by 28% in the incubator and 4% at the radiant heated bed (p < 0.001). Episodes of SPN decreased from 630 to 185 times/d in the incubator and from 2069 to 748 times/d at the radiant heated bed after using the device. The noise-sensor light alarm effectively reduces sound level and episodes of SPN in the NICU. This may alleviate stress of noise for newborns with critical illness.

KEYWORDS

Noise - alarm - newborn intensive care unit

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 Dr.
Chyi-Her Lin

Department of Pediatrics, National Cheng Kung University, Taiwan

No. 1 Ta-Hsueh Road, Tainan, Taiwan, 701, Republic of China