
Background: A bright circumstance, cold temperatures with loud noise and
many activities around can influence oxygen saturation and pulse in preterm
baby.
Purpose: This study aimed to identify the effect of using earmuffs and
earplugs on the physiological response of preterm infants.
Methods: This crossover study involved 15 medically stable preterm infants
treated in a closed incubator. It used the consecutive sampling technique
where the babies’ physiological response using Neonatal Pulse Oximetri was
observed for 30 seconds every 15 minutes for two hours of using earmuffs
and earplugs.
Results: The result of repeated ANOVA analysis showed that there is no
signifcant difference of pulse repetition frequency before, during, and after
using the earmuff and earplug to preterm infants. Meanwhile, statistically,
there was a difference in the mean of oxygen saturation during and after
using the earmuff with p = 0.019.
Conclusion: The use of ear protection (earmuff and earplug) could assist
and support premature infants in maintaining physiological condition.
Earplugs are considered better than earmuffs for maintaining a preterm
infant’s physiological condition.
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