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Chumley PL, Dudding KM, Patrician P. Defining the Concept of Acoustic Neuroprotection in the Neonate: A Concept Analysis. Adv Neonatal Care 2024; 24:E58-E65. [PMID: 38907701 DOI: 10.1097/anc.0000000000001176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/24/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND It has long been understood and acknowledged that the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) environment and the transport environments are extremely loud, with both long- and short-term sequelae to the neonate, being well over the recommended amount of noise by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). This problem has yet to be properly addressed. The purpose of this manuscript is to define and explain the concept of acoustic neuroprotection. While we cannot change the internal structures of the neonates' auditory system, we could change the acoustics of the environment to be support neuroprotection of these sensitive patients. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION Walker and Avant's concept analysis steps were followed to create and define the idea of acoustic neuroprotection, as it has not had a definition before. A total of 45 articles from multiple search engines were chosen. A combination of 2 concepts were used: acoustic protection and neurodevelopmental protection/support. The search was expanded past 20 years for lack of research and importance of seminal works. RESULTS To achieve acoustic neuroprotection, a neonate should not be exposed to sound greater than 45 decibels (dBa) for longer than 10 s, and exposure to sound above 80 dBa should never occur. Appropriate interventions need to include supporting the neurodevelopment of the neonate through therapeutic sound, while decreasing the amount of toxic noise exposure to safe levels. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE AND RESEARCH By further understanding and having a quantifiable goal of acoustic neuroprotection for neonates, neonatal clinicians can work together to create new interventions for how to better protect and support the care of our tiniest patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peyton Lewis Chumley
- UAB School of Nursing University of Alabama at Birmingham, School of Nursing, Birmingham, Alabama
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Hutchinson GM, Wilson PS, Sommerfeldt S, Ahmad K. Incubator-based active noise control device: comparison to ear covers and noise reduction zone quantification. Pediatr Res 2023; 94:1817-1823. [PMID: 37414919 PMCID: PMC10624623 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-023-02708-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Noise exposure in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) is consistently higher than current recommendations. This may adversely affect neonatal sleep, weight gain, and overall health. We sought to evaluate the effect of a novel active noise control (ANC) system. METHODS An ANC device's noise reduction performance was compared to that of adhesively affixed foam ear covers in response to alarm and voice sounds in a simulated NICU environment. The zone of noise reduction of the ANC device was quantified with the same set of alarm and voice sounds. RESULTS The ANC device provided greater noise reduction than the ear covers in seven of the eight sound sequences tested in which a noise reduction greater than the just noticeable difference was achieved. For noise in the 500 Hz octave band, the ANC device exhibited consistent noise reduction throughout expected patient positions. It provided better performance for noise below 1000 Hz than above 1000 Hz. CONCLUSIONS The ANC device provided generally superior noise reduction to the ear covers and provided a zone of noise reduction throughout the range where an infant would be placed within an incubator. Implications for patient sleep and weight gain are discussed. IMPACT Active noise control device can effectively reduce noise inside an infant incubator due to bedside device alarms. This is the first analysis of an incubator-based active noise control device and comparison to adhesively affixed silicone ear covers. A non-contact noise reduction device may be an appropriate means of reducing noise exposure of the hospitalized preterm infant.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Preston S Wilson
- Mechanical Engineering, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Scott Sommerfeldt
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT, USA
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Jaschke AC, Bos AF. Concept and considerations of a medical device: the active noise cancelling incubator. Front Pediatr 2023; 11:1187815. [PMID: 37465419 PMCID: PMC10350684 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2023.1187815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Background An increasingly 24/7 connected and urbanised world has created a silent pandemic of noise-induced hearing loss. Ensuring survival to children born (extremely) preterm is crucial. The incubator is a closed medical device, modifying the internal climate, and thus providing an environment for the child, as safe, warm, and comfortable as possible. While sound outside the incubator is managed and has decreased over the years, managing the noise inside the incubator is still a challenge. Method Using active noise cancelling in an incubator will eliminate unwanted sounds (i.e., from the respirator and heating) inside the incubator, and by adding sophisticated algorithms, normal human speech, neonatal intensive care unit music-based therapeutic interventions, and natural sounds will be sustained for the child in the pod. Applying different methods such as active noise cancelling, motion capture, sonological engineering. and sophisticated machine learning algorithms will be implemented in the development of the incubator. Projected Results A controlled and active sound environment in and around the incubator can in turn promote the wellbeing, neural development, and speech development of the child and minimise distress caused by unwanted noises. While developing the hardware and software pose individual challenges, it is about the system design and aspects contributing to it. On the one hand, it is crucial to measure the auditory range and frequencies in the incubator, as well as the predictable sounds that will have to be played back into the environment. On the other, there are many technical issues that have to be addressed when it comes to algorithms, datasets, delay, microphone technology, transducers, convergence, tracking, impulse control and noise rejection, noise mitigation stability, detection, polarity, and performance. Conclusion Solving a complex problem like this, however, requires a de-disciplinary approach, where each discipline will realise its own shortcomings and boundaries, and in turn will allow for innovations and new avenues. Technical developments used for building the active noise cancellation-incubator have the potential to contribute to improved care solutions for patients, both infants and adults.Code available at: 10.3389/fped.2023.1187815.
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Affiliation(s)
- Artur C. Jaschke
- Department of Paediatrics, Division of Neonatology, Beatrix Children’s Hospital, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
- Department of Music Therapy, ArtEZ University of the Arts, Enschede, Netherlands
- Cambridge Institute for Music Therapy Research, Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Arend F. Bos
- Department of Paediatrics, Division of Neonatology, Beatrix Children’s Hospital, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
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Althahab AQJ, Vuksanovic B, Al-Mosawi M, Machimbarrena M, Arias R. Noise in ICUs: Review and Detailed Analysis of Long-Term SPL Monitoring in ICUs in Northern Spain. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 22:9038. [PMID: 36501740 PMCID: PMC9738928 DOI: 10.3390/s22239038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Intensive care units (ICUs) are busy and noisy areas where patients and professional staff can be exposed to acoustic noise for long periods of time. In many cases, noise levels significantly exceed the levels recommended by the official health organisations. This situation can affect not only patient recovery but also professional staff, making ICUs unhealthy work and treatment environments. To introduce the measures and reduce the acoustic noise in the ICU, acoustic noise levels should first be measured and then appropriately analysed. However, in most studies dealing with this problem, measurements have been performed manually over short periods, leading to limited data being collected. They are usually followed by insufficient analysis, which in turn results in inadequate measures and noise reduction. This paper reviews recent works dealing with the problem of excessively high noise levels in ICUs and proposes a more thorough analysis of measured data both in the time and frequency domains. Applied frequency domain analysis identifies the cyclic behaviour of the measured sound pressure levels (SPLs) and detects the dominant frequency components in the SPL time series. Moreover, statistical analyses are produced to depict the patterns and SPLs to which patients in ICUs are typically exposed during their stay in the ICU. It has been shown that the acoustic environment is very similar every night, while it can vary significantly during the day or evening periods. However, during most of the observed time, recorded SPLs were significantly above the prescribed values, indicating an urgent need for their control and reduction. To effectively tackle this problem, more detailed information about the nature of noise during each of the analysed periods of the day is needed. This issue will be addressed in the continuation of this project.
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Affiliation(s)
- Awwab Qasim Jumaah Althahab
- School of Energy and Electronic Engineering, Faculty of Technology, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth PO1 3DJ, UK
- Department of Electrical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Babylon, Hillah 51001, Iraq
| | - Branislav Vuksanovic
- School of Energy and Electronic Engineering, Faculty of Technology, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth PO1 3DJ, UK
| | - Mohamed Al-Mosawi
- School of Energy and Electronic Engineering, Faculty of Technology, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth PO1 3DJ, UK
| | - Maria Machimbarrena
- School of Architecture, Applied Physics Department, University of Valladolid, 47014 Valladolid, Spain
| | - Roi Arias
- Proceso Digital de Audio S.L., 09001 Burgos, Spain
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Kaiser E, Stutz R, Goedicke-Fritz S, Bous M, Zemlin M, Adams C. Noise and Critical Sound Levels During Non-Invasive Ventilation of a
Preterm Infant in the Incubator. KLINISCHE PADIATRIE 2022. [PMID: 36108643 DOI: 10.1055/a-1906-0960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Background Preterm birth and the subsequent necessary treatment in
neonatal intensive care units (NICU) subjects the preterm infant to
non-physiological noise exposure with potentially adverse consequences for
short- and long-term development. Adjusters to improve the acoustic environment
for the preterm infant need to be defined.
Methods Sound pressure level measurements during routine procedures in a
NICU were performed by ¼” microphones placed inside and outside
the incubator. The microphones need to be suitably positioned to measure sound
pressure levels that are representative for the sound field inside and outside
the incubator. The sound pressure level spectra generated by respiratory support
and corresponding monitor alarms were compared.
Results Inside the incubator, higher sound level pressures (in dBA) were
generated primarily by the use of the system components of the incubator itself
than outside, whereas when the incubator was closed, it had an insulating effect
on sounds generated in the NICU. Non-invasive ventilation resulted in an
increase in sound pressure levels from 50 to 60 dBA in the neonate’s
environment, with sound pressure levels increasing particularly in the frequency
range above 1 kHz.
Conclusion Preterm infants are exposed to high sound levels, especially in
the non-physiological high-frequency range, particularly during non-invasive
ventilation. The continuous sound exposure could be further reduced to some
extent by an optimized design of the incubator.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth Kaiser
- Department of General Pediatrics and Neonatology, Saarland University
Hospital and Saarland University Faculty of Medicine, Homburg,
Germany
| | - Regine Stutz
- Department of General Pediatrics and Neonatology, Saarland University
Hospital and Saarland University Faculty of Medicine, Homburg,
Germany
| | - Sybelle Goedicke-Fritz
- Department of General Pediatrics and Neonatology, Saarland University
Hospital and Saarland University Faculty of Medicine, Homburg,
Germany
| | - Michelle Bous
- Department of General Pediatrics and Neonatology, Saarland University
Hospital and Saarland University Faculty of Medicine, Homburg,
Germany
| | - Michael Zemlin
- Department of General Pediatrics and Neonatology, Saarland University
Hospital and Saarland University Faculty of Medicine, Homburg,
Germany
| | - Christian Adams
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Technical University of
Darmstadt, Darmstadt, Germany
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Restin T, Gaspar M, Bassler D, Kurtcuoglu V, Scholkmann F, Haslbeck FB. Newborn Incubators Do Not Protect from High Noise Levels in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and Are Relevant Noise Sources by Themselves. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 8:704. [PMID: 34438595 PMCID: PMC8394397 DOI: 10.3390/children8080704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Revised: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND While meaningful sound exposure has been shown to be important for newborn development, an excess of noise can delay the proper development of the auditory cortex. AIM The aim of this study was to assess the acoustic environment of a preterm baby in an incubator on a newborn intensive care unit (NICU). METHODS An empty but running incubator (Giraffe Omnibed, GE Healthcare) was used to evaluate the incubator frequency response with 60 measurements. In addition, a full day and night period outside and inside the incubator at the NICU of the University Hospital Zurich was acoustically analyzed. RESULTS The fan construction inside the incubator generates noise in the frequency range of 1.3-1.5 kHz with a weighted sound pressure level (SPL) of 40.5 dB(A). The construction of the incubator narrows the transmitted frequency spectrum of sound entering the incubator to lower frequencies, but it does not attenuate transient noises such as alarms or opening and closing of cabinet doors substantially. Alarms, as generated by the monitors, the incubator, and additional devices, still pass to the newborn. CONCLUSIONS The incubator does protect only insufficiently from noise coming from the NICUThe transmitted frequency spectrum is changed, limiting the impact of NICU noise on the neonate, but also limiting the neonate's perception of voices. The incubator, in particular its fan, as well as alarms from patient monitors are major sources of noise. Further optimizations with regard to the sound exposure in the NICU, as well as studies on the role of the incubator as a source and modulator, are needed to meet the preterm infants' multi-sensory needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanja Restin
- Department of Neonatology, Newborn Research Zurich, University Hospital Zurich, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland; (D.B.); (F.S.); (F.B.H.)
- Institute of Physiology, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland; (M.G.); (V.K.)
| | - Mikael Gaspar
- Institute of Physiology, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland; (M.G.); (V.K.)
| | - Dirk Bassler
- Department of Neonatology, Newborn Research Zurich, University Hospital Zurich, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland; (D.B.); (F.S.); (F.B.H.)
| | - Vartan Kurtcuoglu
- Institute of Physiology, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland; (M.G.); (V.K.)
| | - Felix Scholkmann
- Department of Neonatology, Newborn Research Zurich, University Hospital Zurich, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland; (D.B.); (F.S.); (F.B.H.)
| | - Friederike Barbara Haslbeck
- Department of Neonatology, Newborn Research Zurich, University Hospital Zurich, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland; (D.B.); (F.S.); (F.B.H.)
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Vitale FM, Chirico G, Lentini C. Sensory Stimulation in the NICU Environment: Devices, Systems, and Procedures to Protect and Stimulate Premature Babies. CHILDREN-BASEL 2021; 8:children8050334. [PMID: 33923031 PMCID: PMC8146433 DOI: 10.3390/children8050334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Revised: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Prematurity deprives infants of the prenatal sensory stimulation essential to their correct development; in addition, the stressful environment of the NICU impacts negatively on their growth. The purpose of this review was to investigate the effects of NICU noise pollution on preterm infants and parents. We focused on the systems and projects used to control and modulate sounds, as well as on those special devices and innovative systems used to deliver maternal sounds and vibrations to this population. The results showed beneficial effects on the preterm infants in different areas such as physiological, autonomic, and neurobehavioral development. Although most of these studies highlight positive reactions, there is also a general acknowledgement of the current limits: small and heterogeneous groups, lack of structured variable measurements, systematic control groups, longitudinal studies, and normative values. The mother's presence is always preferred, but the use of music therapy and the devices analyzed, although not able to replace her presence, aim to soften her absence through familiar and protective stimuli, which is a very powerful aid during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Massimo Vitale
- Psicologia Magistrale (LM-51), Clinical and Rehabilitation Psychology, Università Niccolò Cusano, 00166 Roma, Italy
- Correspondence: (F.M.V.); (G.C.)
| | - Gaetano Chirico
- Neonatology and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Children Hospital, ASST Spedali Civili, 25123 Brescia, Italy
- Correspondence: (F.M.V.); (G.C.)
| | - Carmen Lentini
- Neonatal Pathology/NICU, Ospedale Civile Padova—AOPD, 35128 Padova, Italy;
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