NICU Sound Environment and the Potential Problems for Caregivers

Abstract

While concerns regarding the effects of the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) sound environment have primarily centered on infants, caregivers are exposed to the same auditory stimuli. In a review of the literature on adult responses to sound, behavioral and physiological responses to sound as well as influence on job performance and communication are examined. Hearing damage among caregivers is unlikely given the sound levels of the typical NICU. The effect of the NICU sound environment on caregivers has received little attention in research; however, findings from other researches of responses to sound suggest that a variety of physiological and behavioral responses may occur in response to the NICU sound environment, and that the sound intensity of the NICU may interfere with communication and job performance.