Noise in a neonatal unit

M.Cur.Advances in medical technology have led to major technological developments in the field of neonatal care. Over the past three decades there has been increasing concern about noise levels in neonatal intensive care units. The experience of working in a neonatal intensive care unit and exposure to high noise levels of such a unit prompted the researcher to investigate the sources of noise further and to explore ways of reducing or preventing the occurrence of noise. After conducting an extensive literature review, a systematic measurement of noise levels in a neonatal intensive care unit was undertaken. The following findings emerged:- There is a considerable level of noise in the neonatal intensive care unit and this noise persists throughout day and night. The sources of noise are mainly environmental, equipment, personnel and patientrelated. It was significant to observe that neonatal personnel can contribute to the reduction or prevention of high noise levels in the unit. Guidelines for neonatal personnel have been developed to this end. It is hoped that this study will make a contribution to the creation of a more conducive neonatal environment