Analysis of the Sound Environment and the Sound Level in the Delivery Room in the First Hour of a Newborn's Life

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to analyse the sound environment and the range of sound levels recorded in the delivery room immediately after the birth of a newborn. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The research method was open observation combined with recording measurements of the sound intensity levels. The material was collected by means of an observation questionnaire. The research was conducted in 11 maternity hospitals in Warsaw. A total of 304 vaginal labours were analysed. RESULTS: The average sound level in the delivery room after the birth of a newborn was 58.03 ± 7.66 dB, and the sound intensity ranged from 40.30 dB to 78.0 dB. Staff conversations were the most common sources of noise. A statistically significant relationship between the number of people in the delivery room and sound intensity was observed. The number of people positively correlated with the average sound level (R=0.520, p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Based on the tests, it was found that the average sound level in the delivery room exceeded the recommended standards. The noise was mainly caused by the activity of staff. The present study indicates the need for staff education and the use of noise reduction procedures.