Sound level measurements at the labour ward showing arithmetic mean, SD and range of the measured equivalent, LAeq(7–10 h) and maximum, LAFmax sound levels in dB
| Sound level measurements | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| dB LAeq(7–10 h) | dB LAFmax | n | |
| All measurements | |||
| Arithmetic mean (SD) | 70.3 (6.0) | 106.3 (6.0) | 529 |
| Range | 56.0–87.0 | 83.0–122.0 | |
| Measurements categorised by work shift (arithmetic mean, SD)* | |||
| Day shift | 70.8 (6.2) | 106.2 (5.9) | 139 |
| Evening shift | 70.8 (5.2) | 106.3 (5.6) | 127 |
| Night shift | 69.8 (6.3) | 106.4 (6.2) | 263 |
| Measurements categorised by professional group (arithmetic mean, SD) | |||
| Midwives | 71.3 (5.1) | 106.2 (5.9) | 289 |
| Assistant nurses | 72.2 (5.0) | 107.8 (5.2) | 114 |
| Uncategorised | 66.2 (7.0) | 103.9 (6.5) | 126 |
Also showing mean and SD of measurements categorised by work shift and by professional group as reported in written logs by the personnel carrying the dosimeter. Frequencies (n) in the table represent unique dosimeter measurements.
*Number of shifts categorised as day n=19, evening n=12 and night n=30.