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Evaluation of noises in neonatal intensive care unit in Mofid Children’s Hospital
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Farzaneh Zonouzi1   , Mohammad Ranjbarian , Seyed Abolfazl Afjeie |
| 1- , farzanehzonouzi@yahoo.com |
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Abstract: (18941 Views) |
Background: In neonatal intensive care unites, noises of different frequencies and intensities are made. These noises may have undesirable physiological effects on newborns. So American Academy of Pediatrics has proposed the average noise intensity to be 45 dB during the waking hours and 35 dB during the night sleep hours of newborns.
Materials and Methods: In this descriptive study, the background noise and also extra-noises made by the activities of caregivers and a variety of functioning machines in neonatal care unit of Mofid hospital were measured using sound level meter (SLM) under the trade name of B&K, both locally and generally.
Results: The sound pressure levels of all the machines are higher than the standard values. Functioning machines increase the background SPL to 6-9 dB and the activities of caregiver personnel increase it to another 2-8 dB. The background noise, particularly in frequency range of 2000 to 4000 HZ, was 5-11 dB more than the recommended levels. The SPL at the ear level of the newborns is 12-22 dB more than the recommended levels. The average SPL of neonatal noise exposure during 24 hours is as follows: The average SPL when the machines are off and personnel are working, is 64 dB and when both machines and personnel are working, is 69 dB.
Conclusion: It appears that the hospitalized newborns are exposed to sound pollution and their health may be at risk, especially with respect to their long time stay in hospitals. |
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| Keywords: Sound Pressure Level, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Noise. |
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Full-Text [PDF 182 kb]
(3397 Downloads)
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Subject:
Nutrition Sciences
Received: 2006/09/6 | Published: 2006/09/15
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