| Sensory systems are unique. Sure, they have the | | | | 2. It's also important to consider noise as a stressful |
| same basic wiring. But each infant may respond | | | | stimulus in the NICU. A great resource for all NICU |
| differently to the same stimulus. When responding to a | | | | design and environmental standards is listed here. The |
| brief loud noise, one baby may display some mild | | | | link posted below will bring you right to the section |
| motoric stress signs such as widened eyes and raised | | | | dedicated to the acoustic environment. (Source: |
| eyebrows. But he may also be able to demonstrate | | | | 3. Is your NICU monitoring noise? Monitoring noise is not |
| self-regulatory behavior by bringing his hands together | | | | a punitive measure for the staff, but rather a step |
| in midline. | | | | toward a more healing environment for the fragile |
| Another infant, perhaps even his twin, may | | | | babies in our care. |
| demonstrate more marked motoric stress signs with | | | | 4. You can buy a simple hand held decibel meter at |
| full arm extension and finger splays, mouth agape, and | | | | Radio Shack or to begin monitoring your noise levels |
| mild arching of the trunk. This may last much longer | | | | (search for 'decibel meter'). Your unit may already |
| than just a startle reflex and likely indicates stress. As | | | | have a system installed that continuously monitors |
| neonatal therapists we must note and support each | | | | noise, or may wish to investigate this type of |
| individual response. | | | | monitoring. |
| Take home thoughts and resources: | | | | 5. Regardless of how involved your unit is in |
| 1. We must support the infant's individual responses to | | | | addressing issues related to sound, what matters |
| sensory stimuli on a continuous basis during care. | | | | immediately is supporting the infant in the moment. |
| Providing this type of developmental care is not extra | | | | Many of the design issues take significant time and |
| or secondary. It is humane and necessary. The whole | | | | financial investment to remedy. While you address |
| is greater than the sum of its parts. And we must | | | | those long-term goals, you can still provide great care |
| support the whole as we proficiently provide all | | | | to your patients. Awareness alone is the most vital |
| medical care and therapeutic intervention. | | | | component. |