While concerns regarding the effects of the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) sound environment have primarily centered on infants, caregivers are exposed to the same auditory stimuli. In a review of the literature on adult responses to sound, behavioral and physiological responses to sound as well as influence on job performance and communication are examined. Hearing damage among caregivers is unlikely given the sound levels of the typical NICU. The effect of the NICU sound environment on caregivers has received little attention in research; however, findings from other researches of responses to sound suggest that a variety of physiological and behavioral responses may occur in response to the NICU sound environment, and that the sound intensity of the NICU may interfere with communication and job performance. Journal of Perinatology 2000; 20:S94-S99.
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Here's an interesting article about how excessive noise effects not only babies in NICUs but also those who care for them. You might think all the baby monitoring systems and monitoring devices in a typical NICU would be all that's required to facilitate good care. Here's proof more is needed for proper speech communication. Did the care giver hear the right dose?
