White noise intervention reduces pain scores and crying time in newborns during invasive procedures

BACKGROUND: Pain management in newborns is important. White noise holds potential advantages as a safe, inexpensive, and easily implemented nonpharmacological intervention for alleviating pain during invasive procedures in newborns. PURPOSE: This systematic review and meta-analysis critically examined the effects of white noise intervention on pain during invasive procedures in newborns, providing a reference for guiding clinical practice. DATA SOURCES: Six electronic databases were systematically searched for relevant studies published up to 25 July 2025. STUDY SELECTION: Randomized controlled trials involving the effects of white noise intervention on invasive pain in newborns were enrolled. DATA EXTRACTION: Two reviewers independently extracted data, assessed risk of bias, and performed statistical analysis using Rev Man software. RESULTS: Thirteen randomized controlled trials were conducted, involving a total of 721 participants. The results indicated that white noise significantly reduced pain scores during and after invasive procedures. It also helped stabilize heart rate and oxygen saturation levels in newborns during and after these procedures. Furthermore, white noise was found to be effective in decreasing crying time after invasive procedures and improving comfort in newborns. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE AND RESEARCH: Our results indicate that white noise may have potential advantages in alleviating pain associated with invasive neonatal procedures. Furthermore, due to the limited number of studies, our confidence in interpreting the results regarding neonatal comfort levels is reduced. We therefore recommend that future studies conduct larger, multi-center studies to enrich the experimental findings.