{"title":"Sound exposure in a purpose built, single room configured neonatal unit - A survey of clinical neonatal staff","authors":"Kobi Best , Karen New , Fiona Bogossian","doi":"10.1016/j.jnn.2024.101614","DOIUrl":null,"url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Sound levels in neonatal units continue to exceed recommendations. Elevated sound exposures experienced by preterm infants may contribute to poorer neurodevelopmental outcomes.</div></div><div><h3>Method</h3><div>A 10-question survey assessed neonatal clinicians’ opinions and awareness of sound intensity and exposures in a single room configured neonatal unit; and sound level recommendations.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Seventy-three of 122 (60%) clinicians responded to the survey. Respondents rated 12 equipment items or activities within the range of <em>moderately</em> to <em>extremely</em> loud, although 81% (n = 59) either <em>strongly</em> or <em>moderately agreed</em> single rooms reduced sound levels. Less than 50% <em>strongly agreed</em> that loud sounds disrupt growth and development. Only 41% (<em>n</em> = 30) and 27% (<em>n</em> = 20) were aware of recommended average and peak sound levels respectively.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Clinicians were able to subjectively rate sound intensity, however most lacked awareness of sound level recommendations. Sound levels and exposures were high with the prominent sources of excessive sound arising from essential neonatal equipment.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":35482,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Neonatal Nursing","volume":"31 2","pages":"Article 101614"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0000,"publicationDate":"2025-02-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":"0","resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":null,"PeriodicalName":"Journal of Neonatal Nursing","FirstCategoryId":"1085","ListUrlMain":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1355184124003004","RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":null,"ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":null,"EPubDate":"","PubModel":"","JCR":"Q2","JCRName":"Nursing","Score":null,"Total":0}
引用次数: 0
Abstract
Introduction
Sound levels in neonatal units continue to exceed recommendations. Elevated sound exposures experienced by preterm infants may contribute to poorer neurodevelopmental outcomes.
Method
A 10-question survey assessed neonatal clinicians’ opinions and awareness of sound intensity and exposures in a single room configured neonatal unit; and sound level recommendations.
Results
Seventy-three of 122 (60%) clinicians responded to the survey. Respondents rated 12 equipment items or activities within the range of moderately to extremely loud, although 81% (n = 59) either strongly or moderately agreed single rooms reduced sound levels. Less than 50% strongly agreed that loud sounds disrupt growth and development. Only 41% (n = 30) and 27% (n = 20) were aware of recommended average and peak sound levels respectively.
Conclusion
Clinicians were able to subjectively rate sound intensity, however most lacked awareness of sound level recommendations. Sound levels and exposures were high with the prominent sources of excessive sound arising from essential neonatal equipment.
期刊介绍:
Aims & Scope: This is the practical, bimonthly, research-based journal for all professionals concerned with the care of neonates and their families, both in hospital and the community. It aims to support the development of the essential practice, management, education and health promotion skills required by these professionals. The JNN will provide a forum for the exchange of ideas and information between the range of professionals working in this field; promote cooperation between these professionals; facilitate partnership care with families; provide information and informed opinion; promote innovation and change in the care of neonates and their families; and provide an education resource for this important rapidly developing field.