In 25 percent of births, the mother’s screams were shown to exceed 115 decibels – the maximum noise exposure allowable under Sweden’s occupational laws.
Despite repeated complaints, no measures have yet been taken to remedy the situation, although the midwives have been advised to wear earplugs if the noise is too loud.
North American legislation varies widely, but generally, allowable exposure to 115 decibels is limited to periods of 15 minutes or less. Over an eight-hour workday, exposure is usually limited to 85-90 decibels.
Prolonged and repeated exposure to high decibels can cause hearing loss. Loud noises damage the cells of tiny hairs that line the inner ear – once these hair cells are damaged, there is currently no known treatment to repair them.