HEARING IN AVIATION
Hearing involves the auditory system, it is the faculty of perceiving a sound. Sounds are of
different levels and qualities. A noise would be that unwanted, annoying and disturbing
sound, most of the times being part of every day duty and task. Is noise making aviation
workers to lose their hearing?
Aviation jobs, like many other jobs, have many benefits, but the downside is hearing loss for
people on the ramp, the cockpit, the aircraft cabin and the residents living nearby airports.
Aviation workers include pilots, aircraft engineers and mechanics, cabin crew, dispatchers
and baggage handlers. Noises in aviation come from two main areas, the ground and the air.
On the ground engines and ground equipment are the main sources and noise levels can
reach 150dB. In the air the high-speed causing friction onto the fuselage and the engines are
the causes of noise (inside cabin noise 70dB to 80dB).
30,000 flying hours are equivalent to a constant exposure to noise levels 90-100dB for about
4 years, and this fact alone speaks strongly when it comes to answering the question as why
pilots lose their hearing near the end of their career.
The permissible level of noise exposure as advised by Occupational Safety and Health
Administration (OSHA) is 90dB for an 8-hour shift. Noise levels above 90dB are said to be
dangerous and can lead to temporary and permanent hearing loss. Other noise effects
include cardiovascular issues, muscle tension, memory loss, high blood pressure and the
inability to multitask in critical occurrences.
Noise exposure affects performance in a very negative way. A noisy environment would
increase stress which affects choices and decision making, thus the inability to focus
accurately, and laying a platform for probable judgement error, impacting the overall
performance in the process.
For noise levels higher than 90dB, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) must be used. The
list bellow is not complete, but essential to attenuate noise effects.
Ear plugs / ear defenders
Communication headsets
Active noise reduction headsets
When the intensity is above 115dB a combination of PPE must be worn.
The following actions would be advisable especially on the Apron (ramp and stand).
Use of Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) to the minimum when on stand
Switch off Ground Power Unit (GPU) when not in use
No engines running on stand except when necessary (engine test, air start)
Limit the time staff would be exposed to apron noise while on duty
Display warning signs and banners to alert staff about areas where auditory
protective equipment must be worn
Put in place regular noise intensity inspections on the apron, when levels are higher
than normal, corrective actions need to be taken.
Other sources of noise can be as harmful and dangerous as the exposure to aviation
noise. Noise and its effects to the auditory system is not only an aviation issue but a
general problem at home, while driving a car, or at any given daily activity.
