Simulation of prenatal maternal sounds in NICU incubators: a pilot safety and feasibility study

Abstract

Objective. This pilot study evaluated the safety and feasibility of an innovative audio system for transmitting maternal sounds to NICU incubators.

Methods. A sample of biological sounds, consisting of voice and heartbeat, were recorded from a mother of a premature infant admitted to our unit. The maternal sounds were then played back inside an unoccupied incubator via a specialized audio system originated and compiled in our lab. We performed a series of evaluations to determine the safety and feasibility of using this system in NICU incubators.

Results. The proposed audio system was found to be safe and feasible, meeting criteria for humidly and temperature resistance, as well as for safe noise levels. Simulation of maternal sounds using this system seems achievable and applicable and received local support from medical staff.

Conclusion. Further research and technology developments are needed to optimize the design of the NICU incubators to preserve the acoustic environment of the womb.

Keywords:

• Auditory
• preterm
• incubator
• maternal sounds
• developmental care

Acknowledgments

We thank Steven Ringer, Robert Insoft, Marianne Cummings, Julianne Mazzawi, and Paul Hughes for facilitating this work in the NICU. We thank our research team: Phil Levine, Marianne Moore, Emily Stone, and Allison Brown for their dedication to the project. We also gratefully acknowledge the funding support from the Christopher Joseph Concha Foundation and LifeSpan HealthCare.