Noise Level at Neonatal Care Unit of Al-Sader Teaching Hospital in Misan Province, Iraq

Abstract

background: Preterm infants exposed to prolonged excessive noise are also at increased risk for hearing loss, abnormal brain and sensory development, and speech and language problems.Aim of study: to determine noise levels in the neonatal care unit. Materials and methods: A descriptive cross sectional study was conducted at neonatal care unit of Al-Sader Teaching Hospital in Misan Province, South East of Iraq during October/2015. A portable sound pressure level meter (sound level meter model SL-4010) was used to record sound level. Results: The records of mean, maximum and minimum sound levels were high and mainly during day time at 10:00 a.m. ranging between 65.13 to 71.68, 78 to 83 and 47 to 61 decibel respectively which exceed the American Academy of Pediatric recommendations.Conclusion: The noise level in the Neonatal Care Unit of Al-Sader Teaching Hospital was obviously high and did not meet the American Academy of Pediatric recommendation. A real effort is required to establish guidelines for noise reduction.