Comparison of the Effect of the White Noise and Sound Reduction on Behavioral Responses of Premature Infants Under Noninvasive Ventilation: A Clinical Trial.

Background: With the increasing survival rates of premature infants and their associated respiratory problems, noninvasive ventilation has gained popularity in neonatal intensive care units. On the other hand, this equipment can be stressful for infants. Objective: This study aimed to compare the effects of white noise and sound reduction on the behavioral responses of premature infants under noninvasive ventilation. Methods: This study was a randomized controlled crossover trial. Forty-two infants who met the inclusion criteria received white noise and noise reduction in a randomized sequence with a 30-minute washout period between conditions. During the noise reduction condition, infants were placed in the fetal position with earplugs. During the white noise condition, nature sounds from the White Noise Baby Sleep app were played into the incubator. Infant behavioral responses were recorded using the Anderson Behavioral State Scale on 3 consecutive days before, during, and after the intervention. Results: The independent t test showed no statistically significant difference between the 2 groups at baseline. The repeated measures analysis of variance test showed that the mean behavioral response scores of preterm infants in the sound reduction group and the white noise group differed significantly across the 3 stages on all 3 days. However, the results of mixed-effects model indicated that the sound reduction group experienced a significant decrease in behavioral response compared to the white noise group. Conclusion: Therefore, the present study suggests that sound reduction is a more effective nonpharmacological method for improving behavioral responses and reducing restlessness of premature infants under noninvasive ventilation.