Listener-centric soundscape interventions for intensive care units: Creating positive sonic ambiances in single-patient rooms

• Adding Natural, Human, and Technological sounds improved simulated ICU soundscapes. • The added soundscape interventions promoted positive listening experiences. • Findings suggest potential stress reduction through listening to ICU soundscape interventions. • ICU soundscape design should align with patient needs and acoustic conditions in patient rooms. Perceived acoustic environments, or soundscapes, of intensive care units (ICUs) can be stressful for patients. We developed an approach to enhance ICU soundscapes with soundscape interventions. Compositions of Natural, Human, or Technological sounds were designed to establish three types of sonic ambiances: Comfortable, Pleasurable, or Stimulating. The objective was to investigate the approach’s effectiveness in a real-world ICU environment. In a controlled experiment conducted in a single-patient, sound-proofed ICU room, 26 healthy participants were exposed to simulated ICU soundscapes, including patient monitor alarm sounds and mechanical ventilator sounds. Nine soundscape interventions were played via speakers. Perceived pleasantness and eventfulness of resulting soundscapes and experienced pleasure and arousal of listeners were evaluated with questionnaires. Physiological indicators of stress were measured using electrocardiograms (ECGs). Pleasurable and Stimulating interventions significantly increased perceived pleasantness and eventfulness when introduced to the simulated ICU soundscape. Comfortable interventions had no significant effect, suggesting that Pleasurable and Stimulating ambiances better aligned with participants’ needs relative to the simulated soundscape. It emphasized the need to tailor ICU interventions to the preexisting acoustic environment and sound-related needs of listeners, such as comfort, distraction or reassurance. Participants reported positive emotional states while listening to the soundscape interventions, indicative of positive listener experiences. Preliminary insights regarding changes in heartrate variability hinted that soundscape interventions could potentially contribute to reduced stress levels. The effectiveness of interventions depended on their featured sound categories, highlighting the importance of personalization. Overall, our approach was found effective, showing promise for creating listener-centric, restorative soundscapes during ICU stays.