This study aimed to achieve a comprehensive analysis of noise that occurs during cesarean deliveries. Sound level meters are used to determine baseline noise levels and to describe the frequency of acute noise generated during a cesarean delivery that will cause a human startle response. Secondarily, we aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a visual alarm system in mitigating excessive noise.
We completed a preintervention/postintervention observational study of noise levels during cesarean deliveries before and after introduction of a visual alarm system for noise mitigation between February 15, 2021 and August 26, 2021. There were 156 cases included from each study period. Sound pressure levels were analyzed by overall case median decibel levels and by time epoch for relevant phases of the operation. Rapid increases in noise events capable of causing a human startle response, \"startle events,\" were detected by retrospective analysis, with quantification for baselines and analysis of frequency by case type. Median noise levels with interquartile ranges are presented. Data are compared between epochs and case characteristics with nonparametric 2-tailed testing.
The median acoustic pressure for all cesarean deliveries was 61.8 (58.8-65.9) (median [interquartile range]) dBA (A-weighted decibels). The median dBA for the full case time period was significantly higher in cases with neonatal intensive care unit team presence (62.1 [60.5-63.9]), admission to the neonatal intensive care unit (62.0 [60.4-63.9]), 5-minute Apgar score <7 (62.2 [61.1-64.3]), multiple gestations (62.6 [62.0-64.2]), and intraoperative tubal sterilization (62.8 [61.5-65.1]). The use of visual alarms was associated with a statistically significant reduction of median noise level by 0.7 dBA, from 61.8 (60.6-63.5) to 61.1 (59.8-63.7) dBA (P<.001).
The noise intensities recorded during cesarean deliveries were commonly at levels that affect communication and concentration, and above the safe levels recommended by the World Health Organization. Although noise was reduced by 0.7 dBA, the reduction was not clinically significant in reaching a discernible amount (a 3-dB change) or in reducing \"startle events.\" Isolated use of visual alarms during cesarean deliveries is unlikely to be a satisfactory noise mitigation strategy.
目的:我们的目的是对剖宫产期间发生的噪音进行全面分析。
方法:在2021年2月15日至2021年8月26日期间,我们完成了一项关于剖宫产分娩期间噪声水平的干预前/干预后观察性研究,该研究在引入视觉报警系统以减轻噪声之前和之后。
结果:所有剖宫产分娩的声压中位数为61.8[58.8,65.9]dBA(中位数[I.Q.R.])。
结论:剖宫产期间记录的噪音强度通常在影响沟通和注意力的水平,