Original Article

Journal of Perinatology (2009) 29, 358–363; doi:10.1038/jp.2008.236; published online 5 February 2009

A randomized clinical trial evaluating silicone earplugs for very low birth weight newborns in intensive care

C Abou Turk1, A L Williams2 and R E Lasky2

  1. 1Pediatric Group of Acadiana, New Iberia, LA, USA
  2. 2University of Texas Medical School at Houston, Center for Clinical Research and Evidence-Based Medicine, Houston, TX, USA

Correspondence: Professor RE Lasky, University of Texas Medical School at Houston, Center for Clinical Research and Evidence-Based Medicine, 6431 Fannin, MSB. 2.106, Houston, TX 77030, USA. E-mail: Robert.E.Lasky@uth.tmc.edu

Received 19 July 2008; Revised 2 November 2008; Accepted 8 December 2008; Published online 5 February 2009.

Top

Abstract

Objective:

 

To determine whether very low birth weight (VLBW) newborns (<1500 g) wearing silicone earplugs grow larger and perform better on developmental exams than controls.

Study Design:

 

VLBW newborns (n=34) were randomized to wearing earplugs or not. Hospital outcomes were abstracted from medical charts by research staff masked to intervention status. Fourteen extremely low birth weight (ELBW) newborns (<1000 g) were also evaluated at 18 to 22 months.

Result:

 

After adjusting for birth weight, 11 surviving newborns in the earplug group were 225 g (95% CI: 45, 405) heavier at 34 weeks post menstrual age than the 13 controls. Six ELBW earplug infants scored 15.53 points (95% CI: 3.03, 28.02) higher than six controls on the Bayley Mental Development Index. Their head circumferences were 2.59 cm (95% CI: 0.97, 4.21) larger.

Conclusion:

 

Earplugs may facilitate weight gain in VLBW newborns. Better outcomes may persist at 18 to 22 months at least in ELBW infants.

Keywords:

noise reduction, neonatal intensive care units, growth and developmental outcomes

Extra navigation

.

naturejobs

More science jobs
Post a job for free
ADVERTISEMENT