Abstract
Objective: To test the hypothesis that neonatal high-frequency ventilators create different noise levels depending upon ventilator settings and device-specific properties.¶Materials: Three neonatal ventilators with built-in high-frequency options (Babylog 8000, Infant Star, Stephanie) and an exclusive high-frequency oscillator (SensorMedics 3100A).¶Measurements: Noise levels were recorded by a microphone and measured by a decibel recording device at a defined distance from a test lung.¶Results: Noise levels were highest for the SensorMedics and the Babylog (70 dB and 62 dB, respectively). Whereas the SensorMedics increased noise production with amplitude, the Babylog remained at a constant level. The Infant Star (52 dB) and the Stephanie (54 dB) were significantly less noisy at their maximum levels of amplitude (40 mbar and 50 mbar, respectively).¶Conclusion: Most levels recorded were below those measured within an incubator without the use of a ventilator. We conclude that neonatal high-frequency ventilators do not represent a major contribution to noise levels for newborns in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs).
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Received: 9 July 1999/Final revision received: 11 October 1999/Accepted: 1 November 1999
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Hoehn, T., Busch, A. & Krause, M. Comparison of noise levels caused by four different neonatal high-frequency ventilators. Intensive Care Med 26, 84–87 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1007/s001340050016
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s001340050016