The noise exposure of infants in incubators

The noise exposure of infants in incubators due to both services noise and self-generated noise has been measured in an investigation involving 45 incubators and 69 infants. Incubator services noise levels were consistent with those reported in previous surveys but the noise produced by the infants has been found to increase levels by approximately 8 dB(A) on average. Statistical distribution analysis of the noise levels has shown that energy content of the infant generated noise has maximum values between 90 dB(A) and 100 dB(A) and peak levels of 107 dB(A) have been recorded. The possibility of the measured sound pressure levels inducing cochlear damage is discussed and an assessment is made of incubator services noise which suggest a design level of 45 dB(A) for new incubators and a limiting sound level of 55 dB(A) during normal usage.