Incubator noise: a method to decrease decibels.

PURPOSE

To examine the effect of covering the incubator on environmental noise levels inside the incubator.

METHOD

Noise level measurements were taken to measure noise outside the incubators, inside the uncovered incubators, and inside covered incubators of 24 premature infants. The sound levels and differences in patient care equipment were analyzed by means, t-tests, and ANOVA.

FINDINGS

Significant differences were found between the covered and uncovered incubators' sound level readings. Covered incubators had lower noise level readings.

CONCLUSION

Covering incubators is one method to decrease environmental noise in the NICU.