The Impact of Auditory Interventions on Stress in Preterm Infants: A Review Study

Introduction Hospitalization is a stressful experience for neonates, even in the absence of painful procedures. Exposure to stress from invasive interventions has been associated with reduced growth of white and subcortical gray matter. Therefore, understanding neonatal stress responses and their effects on neurodevelopment is crucial. Auditory interventions have emerged as a promising non-pharmacological strategy to reduce stress in preterm infants. This study aimed to review the effects of auditory stimuli on stress modulation in preterm neonates. Materials and Methods A narrative review was conducted focusing on studies examining auditory interventions and their impact on neonatal stress. PubMed, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect databases were searched using the keywords "stress," "preterm," and "sound stimulation." The search included studies published between ۲۰۱۰ and ۲۰۲۴ and was limited to English-language randomized controlled trials (RCTs). Out of ۵۶ initially retrieved studies, ۱۵ met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed in detail. Results Auditory interventions in preterm neonates included exposure to live music, white noise, maternal voice, lullabies, maternal heartbeat, and familiar voices. These interventions positively affected stress reduction and improved physiological indicators such as heart rate, respiratory rate, and oxygen saturation. Combined auditory stimuli involving maternal voice (talking, reading, or singing) showed greater effectiveness compared to other interventions, resulting in increased oxytocin levels, decreased Neonatal Infant Stressor Scale (NISS) scores, and reduced salivary cortisol during painful or stressful procedures. No adverse effects were reported; however, appropriate selection and individualization of auditory stimuli remain critical. Discussion and Conclusion Exposure to soothing sounds can enhance relaxation, reduce pain perception, and modulate physiological and autonomic nervous system functions. Auditory interventions stimulate endocrine responses, promoting endorphin and serotonin release, thereby increasing comfort and reducing pain. These strategies represent a feasible, non-invasive approach to support preterm infants' neurodevelopment and overall well-being in neonatal intensive care settings.

کلیدواژه ها:

Auditory Interventions ، Preterm Infant ، Stress