study on the effect of hearing protectors on newborns admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit [NICU] for prevention of acquired hearing disorders

To identify the effect of noise in the NICU on neonate's hearing status, and to assess the value of using hearing protectors [e.g. earplug and earmuff] to minimize the effect of noise on these neonates. '634' newborns were divided into two groups, the control group [n = 395] and the study [n = 239]. The noise level inside and outside incubators was measured by using sound level meter. Neonates in both groups were tested for hearing by transient evoked otocacoustic emissions [TEOAE] test on admission. The study group of neonates worn ear protectors from admission to discharge while the control group did not. Transient Evoked Otoacoustic Emission test was repeated for both groups on discharge. Any infant who didn't pass the test on discharge was reevaluated 2 months later and in case of new failure, the test was repeated at 4 months of the infant's age. Statistically significant differences were found between infants in both groups regarding TEOAE test results either at discharge or at the first follow with a higher percentage of failed tests among infants in the unprotected control group. Also, the prevalence of failed ear response was higher in neonates were exposed to noise 45 dB or more than those exposed to noise level < 45 dB. It was noticed that mean duration of hospital stays was shorter in the study group than in the control group [8.9 VS 13.7]. Environmental noise in the NICU has potential adverse effect on neonate's hearing status. Noise induced hearing loss in NICU is mostly transient and reversible. Using ear protectors were useful in reducing the hazardous effect of noise on hearing sense in neonates in NICU