Comparing sound measurements in the single-family room with open-unit design neonatal intensive care unit: the impact of equipment noise

Abstract

Objective: To determine if measured sound levels in the occupied level 3 single-family room (SFR) neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) will be significantly and perceptibly different from the occupied level 3 open-unit (OU) NICU.

Study design: Case-control. Comparison of sound measurements obtained with varying types of respiratory support in SFR unit with measurements obtained from OU level 3 bedside NICU.

Result: SFR sound measurements were quieter and less loud compared with the open unit, except when high-frequency ventilation (HFV) was used.

Conclusion: The SFR level 3 NICU is a quieter, less loud environment compared with the open unit level 3 Bedside NICU when the patient is supported on room air, high flow nasal cannula, bubble continuous positive airway pressure and conventional ventilation. High HFV will result in similar measurements to the open unit level 3 bedside NICU.