Study of Noise Levels in Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICU) in Public Hospitals in Gaza City, Gaza Strip.

Abstract

Numerous recent studies have been published discussing the problem of high noise levels in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). The purpose of the current study is to evaluate noise levels in a NICU in a small city in a developing country. A noise level meter was used to assess noise levels in different NICUs at two public hospitals and to compare those levels with recommended international standard. Noise levels measured inside the NICUs in both hospitals were significantly higher than the standard recommended level for noise in NICU (58-78 dB A). Noise levels were also significantly higher outside the NICU (71-73 dB A). These findings are consistent with those of previous studies and demonstrate that noise levels in the NICU are alarmingly high. Industrialized countries and developing counties are facing the same problem of noise. Some intervention strategies are recommended. average sound levels in a NICU range between 70 to 80 dB, but the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends a maximum safe noise level of 45 dB. Sound levels increase with acuity and technological care and exhibit daily patterns related to unit routine [8], [10].. Research has shown that sound levels outside of the normal range can be harmful to the healthy development of premature newborns in the NICU [11], [12], [13].