Sound levels for neonates in transit.

Sound levels were measured in a neonatal intensive care nursery as well as during transport in ambulance, rotary wing, and fixed wing aircrafts. In the nursery, under usual conditions, the sound levels were between 58 and 70 dB; while in transit, they were invariably higher, particularly in rotary wing aircarft ( greater than 90 dB). The observations suggest that neonates in transit are exposed to potentially hazardous sound levels. Provision of means to attenuate the sound is desirable as a part of stabilization of infant during transport.