07/18/2026
Did you know that white noise may help reduce pain and stress in newborns during common NICU procedures?
A 2026 systematic review and meta-analysis examined 13 randomized controlled trials involving 721 neonates and found that white noise was associated with lower pain scores, improved oxygen saturation, more stable heart rates, and shorter crying times during painful procedures.
π Procedures studied included:
β’ Heel sticks
β’ Venipuncture
β’ IV insertion
β’ Blood sampling
β’ Intramuscular injections
β’ Other routine invasive procedures
π‘ How was white noise used?
Most studies played continuous white noise at a safe sound level (typically around 50β65 dB) beginning a few minutes before the procedure, continuing throughout the procedure, and for several minutes afterward.
πΆ Common NICU implementation ideas:
β’ Use a bedside sound machine or approved white noise device
β’ Begin white noise 2β5 minutes before the procedure
β’ Continue during and after the procedure
β’ Combine with other evidence-based comfort measures: swaddling, facilitated tucking, non-nutritive sucking, skin-to-skin care when appropriate, sucrose administration per unit policy
White noise is inexpensive, noninvasive, and easy to implement, making it a promising addition to neonatal pain management bundles. While more large-scale studies are needed, current evidence suggests it may help make routine procedures less stressful for our smallest patients.
Read article at: https://journals.lww.com/advancesinneonatalcare/fulltext/2026/06000/impact_of_white_noise_on_invasive_procedural_pain.10.aspx