Designing for Neonates’ Wellness: Differences in the Reverberation Time Between an Incubator Located in an Open Unit and in a Private Room of a NICU

Abstract

Noise levels in Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs) significantly impact neonatal health, influencing stress levels, sleep cycles, and overall development. One critical factor in managing noise is reverberation time (T), which affects sound persistence and acoustic comfort. This study, conducted at the Universidad de Las Américas in Quito, Ecuador, examines T in two NICU room types—open unit and private room. Measurements were taken in simulated environments to assess acoustic differences between these two designs. Results indicate that T is significantly lower in private rooms compared to open units, suggesting that private rooms provide a more controlled and acoustically favorable environment for neonates. Lower T reduces excessive noise exposure, improving sleep quality and minimizing stress responses in preterm infants. Furthermore, the findings align with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), by advocating for hospital designs that enhance patient health and promote sustainable infrastructure. These results highlight the importance of integrating acoustically optimized spaces in NICUs to improve neonatal outcomes and contribute to a more sustainable healthcare system. Future research should further explore architectural solutions for noise reduction to refine NICU design standards.