OBJECTIVES: To identify levels of sound pressure level (NPS) inside the incubator and the sources of noise in that microenvironment of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of a university hospital. METHODS: Descriptive quantitative study, conducted in incubators for the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of a university hospital in São Paulo. The records were obtained by NPS dosimeter, totaling 261 hours, 48 hours of records of the sources producing noise. RESULTS: There were high NPS inside the incubators. Greater Leq levels were 79.7 dBA in room A, and 74.3 dBA in room B. The main sources of noise were: water circulation fan, maintaining open doors on the incubators during periods of care, equipment alarms, and conversation among professionals close to the incubator. CONCLUSIONS: The results showed that the NPS inside the incubator are far above those recommended by regulations. Based on these results, we developed a protocol and educational program.
Noise; Intensive care units, Neonatal; Neonatal nursing; Humanization of assistance
