What’s that noise—tackling sound pollution in the NICU: a systematic review - Takeaways - MDSpire

What’s that noise—tackling sound pollution in the NICU: a systematic review

  • By

  • Vito Giordano

  • Sophie Mandl

  • Lisa Bartha-Doering

  • Christoph Reuter

  • Matthias Bertsch

  • Brigitte Wildner

  • Sophie Stummer

  • Katrin Klebermass-Schrehof

  • Marcus Maeder

  • Angelika Berger

  • Philipp Deindl

  • June 12, 2026

  • 0 min

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  • 1

    Preterm infants in NICUs are exposed to high ambient noise levels that exceed recommended thresholds, impacting their auditory and neurodevelopmental maturation.

  • 2

    Major noise sources in NICUs include alarms, staff conversations, and respiratory support devices, which contribute to high internal noise levels.

  • 3

    Interventions like staff training and environmental modifications have shown short-term improvements in noise levels but lack sustained effectiveness.

  • 4

    Excessive NICU noise is a modifiable risk factor with significant implications for preterm infants' development and health.

  • 5

    Future strategies should focus on integrating environmental design and technology to create supportive acoustic conditions for infants.

Original Source(s)

What’s that noise—tackling sound pollution in the NICU: a systematic review

  • by Vito Giordano, Sophie Mandl, Lisa Bartha-Doering, Christoph Reuter, Matthias Bertsch, Brigitte Wildner, Sophie Stummer, Katrin Klebermass-Schrehof, Marcus Maeder, Angelika Berger, Philipp Deindl

  • June 12, 2026

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