Effect of Educational Intervention among NICU Team and Parents in Reducing Sound Level in Neonatal ICU.

Objective: Baseline sound level in a tertiary level NICU were measured and compared before and after educational intervention to evaluate the impact of a noise awareness educational program in decreasing the sound level in nursery.  Methods: The study was conducted in a tertiary level NICU. Participants were NICUdoctors, staff and parents of babies admitted in NICU. Participants were educatedregarding hazards of increased sound level in NICU and measures to reduce the sound level. Sound level in NICU was monitored using a sound meter at seven different time periods every day for 2 weeks. After 1 week of educational intervention period of NICU doctors, staff and parents, post intervention readings in similar format were checked again for 2 weeks. 1.3 Results: There was a significant reduction in sound levels (61.9+ 7.37dBA to 56.2+ 5.12dBA, p=0.002) at pre-intervention and post intervention period respectively. There was a significant difference in sound levels (p<0.01) within the groups at different time periods. 1.4 Conclusion: Noise in the NICU is more than the recommended sound levels of 45 dBA. Activity of people on floor is a significant contributor. Educational interventions of doctors, staff and parents can reduce sound levels significantly, and should be promoted in every NICU.