Vol. 3, Issue 11, Part B (2017)

Materials and methods: The present study is a hospital based prospective study. The study aimed at assessing the ambient noise levels in the NICU with a decibel meter and its effect on heart rate, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation and sleep pattern among neonates. A total of 110 neonates were enrolled in the study, 61 were males and 49 females and 98 term and 12 preterm.

Results: The mean noise levels in the NICU were 56.2 dB. The lowest noise levels were recorded at 8am i.e. 47dB in the low dependency unit while the highest recorded level was at 2pm i.e. 64dB in the high dependency unit. The hemodynamics at the time of minimum noise levels (47dB) were HR 120/min, RR 30/min, sPO2 100%and the neonate was asleep. The corresponding findings at the time of maximum noise levels (64dB) were HR 158/min, RR 52/min, Spo2 90% and the neonate was awake and irritable.

Conclusions: The ambient noise level in our NICU was well within the recommended levels by AAP and it was reflected on the hemodynamic status and sleep pattern of the neonates. Also for every 5dB rise in noise levels there was an increase in HR by 8-10%.