Author:
Chumley Peyton Lewis,Dudding Katherine M.,Patrician Patricia
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.
Publisher
Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Reference46 articles.
1. Research agenda for preterm birth: recommendations from the march of dimes;Green;Am J Obstet Gynecol,2005
2. Development of the auditory system;Litovsky;Handb Clin Neurol,2015
3. An acoustic gap between the NICU and womb: a potential risk for compromised neuroplasticity of the auditory system in preterm infants;Lahav;Front Neurosci,2014
4. Sound reduction management in the neonatal intensive care unit for preterm or very low birth weight infants;Almadhoob;Cochrane Database Syst Rev
5. Safe sound exposure in the fetus and preterm infant;Krueger;J Obstet Gynecol Neonatal Nurs,2012