The purpose was to identify the causes of noise in the neonatal unit and measure its level in decibels. It is a descriptive study developed in a public institution in Fortaleza-Ceará. The data collection was conducted in the morning, afternoon and night periods from October/2004 through January/2005, though not direct observation, when we measured the Decibel Sound Pressure Level, through a decibelimeter. The results showed that the morning period presented high noise levels, mainly due to conversation between the people and due to water jet used for washing hands, with a maximum value of 80.4dB. The change of equipments in the night period presented maximum value of 78.1dB. We concluded that the average value of decibels in the NU was higher than the recommended by the ABNT.
Sound; Newborn; Nursing
