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Assessing speech exposure in the NICU: Implications for speech enrichment for preterm infants

Journal of Perinatology volume 40, pages 1537–1545 (2020)Cite this article

Subjects

Abstract

Objective

Quantify NICU speech exposure over multiple days in relation to NICU care practices.

Methods

Continuous measures of speech exposure were obtained for preterm infants (n = 21; 12 M) born <34 weeks gestational age in incubators (n = 12) or open cribs (n = 9) for 5–14 days. Periods of care (routine, developmental) and delivery source (family, medical staff, cuddler) were determined through chart review.

Results

Infants spent 13% of their time in Care, with >75% of care time reflecting developmental care. Speech counts were higher during care than no care, for mature vs. immature infants, and for infants in open cribs vs. incubators. Family participation in care ranged widely, with the highest speech counts occurring during periods of intentional voice exposure.

Conclusions

Care activities represent a small portion of NICU experiences. Speech exposure during Developmental Care, especially with intentional voice exposure, may be an important source of stimulation. Implications for care practices are discussed.

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Fig. 1: Relation between mean overall speech counts and post-menstrual age (PMA) at start of recording and bed type (n = 21).
Fig. 2: Mean speech counts during Care vs. No Care periods as a function of Bed Type (n = 21).
Fig. 3: Mean speech counts during Developmental Care activities that specifically encourage increased talk to infants through talking, singing or reading at bedside (n = 21).

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Funding

Grant funding in support of this project was provided by the Maternal and Children’s Health Research Institute at Stanford University and a Pathway to Independence Award to KET 5K99HD084749 from National Institutes of Health. Donation of Starling devices was provided by Versame, Inc.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pediatrics, Stanford School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA

    Melissa L. Scala, Claire Godenzi & Katherine E. Travis

  2. Department of Psychology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA

    Virginia A. Marchman

  3. Program in Human Biology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, USA

    Courtney Gao

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  1. Melissa L. Scala
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Contributions

All authors have met the requirements of Journal of Perinatology for authorship. MLS, VAM and KET contributed to conception, design, data analysis, drafting or revising the article and final approval. CG and CG were responsible for acquisition of data, some analysis and final approval of manuscript.

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Correspondence to Melissa L. Scala.

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Scala, M.L., Marchman, V.A., Godenzi, C. et al. Assessing speech exposure in the NICU: Implications for speech enrichment for preterm infants. J Perinatol 40, 1537–1545 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41372-020-0672-7

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