The effect of white noise on pain levels in newborns: a meta-analysis study

BackgroundWhite noise may reduce pain levels in newborns.AimsExamine the effect of white noise on pain levels in newborns.MethodsThe studies included in this meta-analysis were identified through a comprehensive search of databases including Web of Science, PubMed, EBSCO host, Google Scholar, and the National Thesis Center of the Turkish Council of Higher Education. Following an evaluation of the studies, 14 eligible studies were included in the analysis. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal tools, tailored to each study design. Data synthesis was conducted using Comprehensive Meta-Analysis (CMA) version 2. The findings were structured through a combination of meta-analytic and narrative synthesis approaches.ResultsThis meta-analysis found that the use of white noise during painful procedures significantly reduced pain levels in newborns (SMD: -1.026, 95% CI: -1.443 to -0.610; Z = -4.828, p = 0.000). Subgroup analyses revealed that specific sounds, including those from the Colic album by Orhan Osman (e.g., Colic, Don't Let Your Baby Cry, Don't Let Your Baby Cry Pt-3), as well as intrauterine-like sounds such as hair dryers and vacuum cleaners and recordings of heartbeat sounds, were significantly more effective than other types of white noise.ConclusionsThe findings of this meta-analysis indicate that white noise is an effective intervention strategy for reducing pain levels in newborns. It is recommended that healthcare professionals incorporate white noise, which is a simple, low-cost, effective, and safe non-pharmacological method, into their clinical practice to alleviate neonatal pain.