OBJECTIVE: To describe the perception of the multidisciplinary team on ambient noise in a neonatal intermediate care unit. METHODS: Descriptive study with qualitative design. Open-ended interviews were conducted with 43 professionals working in the neonatal intermediate care unit. The taped interviews were transcribed and underwent thematic analysis. RESULTS: Four thematic topics arose: how the team perceived the noise in the unit; what generated noise in the unit; the effects of noise on babies, workers, relatives and associates; and, how to reduce noise in the unit. CONCLUSION: The staff was knowledgeable about the noise in the unit, pointing out possibilities and limitations for its reduction.
Noise; Perception; Infant, newborn; Child health services; Patient care team; Nurseries, hospital