Maternal Voice Versus White Noise in Pediatric Surgery

Maternal Voice Versus White Noise: Effects on Pain, Comfort, and Physiological Responses in Pediatric Surgery

This randomized controlled study will evaluate the effects of maternal voice and white noise on postoperative pain, comfort, and physiological parameters in children aged 1 month to 3 years during the early postoperative period. The study will also compare the effectiveness of maternal voice and white noise in improving these outcomes.

For the maternal voice intervention, the mother will select a lullaby, and its lyrics will be provided to her by the researcher. The lullaby will be recorded in the mother's voice with the assistance of the researcher. The sound level of the recording will be adjusted to approximately 50 decibels. Children assigned to the maternal voice group will listen to the recorded lullaby during the early postoperative period. A copy of the recording will be provided to the mother after completion of the study.

Children assigned to the white noise group will listen to the white noise recording "Don't Let Your Baby Cry 2" from the album "Colic." The recording includes intrauterine-like and white-noise sounds combined with music. The recording will be used after obtaining the necessary permissions from the relevant copyright holders.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Aged 1 to 3 years
• Scheduled to undergo an elective minor surgical procedure, such as orchiopexy, hypospadias repair, or hernia repair
• Undergoing surgery under general anesthesia with an anesthesia duration not exceeding 60 minutes
• No known hearing impairment
• No anatomical abnormality of the ear
• No chronic condition that could affect auditory perception or pain response, such as cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, or another neurodevelopmental disorder
• Scheduled for direct transfer to the pediatric surgery ward after surgery without an extended stay in the postanesthesia care unit
• Written informed consent provided by a parent or legal guardian

Exclusion Criteria:

• Surgery performed under emergency conditions
• A surgical procedure different from the planned procedure
• Anesthesia duration exceeding 60 minutes
• Development of a postoperative complication requiring admission to the postanesthesia care unit or intensive care unit
• Administration of additional analgesic medication beyond the institutional analgesia protocol
• Interruption or inability to complete the 60-minute auditory intervention or observation period
• Withdrawal of consent by the parent or legal guardian