Abstract
BackgroundLoud noises in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) exacerbate patient cardiac and respiratory activity, disrupt sleep, and may contribute to hearing deficits, speech and language disorders, and neurodevelopmental delays among NICU graduates. AimsThis study evaluated infant-patient tolerance and nurse ease of use of a novel frequency-selective hearing protection device, DREAMIES (NEATCap Medical, LLC). Study design and subjectsFifty neonates receiving care in a Level III NICU participated in a 2-phase prospective study. In Phase 1, 25 infants (mean 36.6 wks GA) wore DREAMIES for two consecutive 30-min periods. In Phase 2, 25 infants (mean 34.8 wks GA) wore DREAMIES between care and feeding times during an 8-h Device-On period followed by an 8-h Device-Off period for three consecutive days. Outcome measuresSubject tolerance was defined by device-related skin irritation, vital sign measurements, and behavioral state. Device fit and ease of use were also evaluated by NICU nurses. ResultsNo skin breakdown was reported in any infant in either phase. Only transient skin erythema was observed. Periods when infants wore DREAMIES resulted in lower heart and respiratory rates and increased sleep (P < 0.001). Nurses reported little to no difficulty in applying or removing the device. ConclusionFindings suggest DREAMIES are a safe, easy to use, and effective device that reduces exposure to NICU noise, and may improve cardio-respiratory activity and promote sleep among neonatal patients. Further studies are warranted to examine longer term use and potential benefits of DREAMIES for improving outcomes in infants receiving NICU care.This trial is registered on clinicaltrials.govNCT02744066.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
