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Noise level in a neonatal intensive care unit in Santa Marta - Colombia
Garrido, Galindo Angélica Patricia; Camargo, Caicedo Yiniva & Vélez-Pereira, Andres M
Abstract
Introduction: The environment of neonatal intensive care units is
influenced by numerous sources of noise emission, which contribute
to raise the noise levels, and may cause hearing impairment and
other physiological and psychological changes on the newborn, as
well as problems with care staff.
Objective: To evaluate the level and sources of noise in the neonatal
intensive care unit.
Methods: Sampled for 20 consecutive days every 60 seconds in
A-weighting curves and fast mode with a Type I sound level meter.
Recorded the average, maximum and minimum, and the 10th,
50th and 90th percentiles. The values are integrated into hours and
work shift, and studied by analysis of variance. The sources were
characterized in thirds of octaves.
Results: The average level was 64.00 ±3.62 dB(A), with maximum of
76.04 ±5.73 dB(A), minimum of 54.84 ±2.61 dB(A), and background
noise of 57.95 ±2.83 dB(A). We found four sources with levels
between 16.8-63.3 dB(A). Statistical analysis showed significant
differences between the hours and work shift, with higher values in
the early hours of the day.
Conclusion: The values presented exceed the standards suggested
by several organizations. The sources identified and measured
recorded high values in low frequencies.
Keywords
Critical care; noise pollution; benchmark standard; neonatal intensive care; environmental health
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