Premature Infant Exposure to Noise Generated by Respiratory Support

Infants born < 32 weeks, in an incubator, and > 7 days postnatal that were maintained on either on NCPAP or HFNC to maintain SaO2 in a range of 88 - 92 %. Study infants had decibel measurements obtained every 15 seconds for 30 minutes using a noise dosimeter (NoisePro DLX-1). The microphone for the dosimeter was suspended from the inside of the incubator such that it hung 1 foot above the infants nose and mouth. The exhalation port for NCPAP was placed outside of the incubator. Repeated measurement periods on the same mode of support were made within a 72 hour period. Each infant the acted as their own control and was switched within 7 days to the alternative respiratory support method that maintained similar SaO2 goals and repeat measurements were obtained. Comparisons of mean decibel levels during recording were compared using paired t-tests.

Inclusion criteria

• Premature infant born < 32 weeks and 0 days post-conceptional age;
• Seven or more days of age and not in acute respiratory distress;
• Need for nasal continuous positive airway pressure or high-flow nasal cannula for ventilation or supplemental oxygen delivery;
• In a neutral-thermal environment (i.e. isolette)

Exclusion criteria

• Oro-facial congenital anomalies;
• Congenital heart disease (except for patent ductus arteriosus and/or patent foramen ovale);
• Unstable respiratory status as deemed by the attending physician
• Patients under isolation for infectious disease