Analysis of noise level in neonatal intensive care unit and post natal ward of a tertiary care hospital in an urban city

Background: Noise levels in neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and post natal ward (PNW) could have an adverse impact on the neonates hence it is necessary to know the level of sound prevailing in these places particularly in busy and overcrowded urban hospitals. Methods: The measurement of noise levels was recorded at every hourly and five second intervals with Leq, Lmin, Lmax in the NICU and PNW in different shifts. Noise level generated due to structural and operational factors was analyzed. Noise levels in different shifts was compared with standard and recommended sound level. Results: The noise generated by structural and operational factors were between 60-90 dB. The range of noise generated in NICU and PNW was between 50-95 dB and 51-95 dB respectively with Leq, Lmin, Lmax for both NICU and PNW were 72 dB, 51 dB, 92 dB and 76 dB, 62 dB, and 87 dB respectively. Morning Shifts had maximum noise levels, when compared with other shifts. Conclusions: Noise levels were significantly higher than standard recommended levels and morning shifts were noisiest of all in NICU and PNW of an urban hospital. Keywords: Noise, Newborn, NICU, PNW, Sound. This record was migrated from the OpenDepot repository service in June, 2017 before shutting down